Kelly Bates
CFL.ca
Let’s talk Retro. A few weeks ago I was fortunate enough to take part in the Winnipeg Blue Bombers launch of its retro uniform and clothing line as Reebok and the CFL have chosen to pay homage to the history of the CFL this season by reissuing 1960s CFL sideline gear and jerseys.
I know what you are thinking and yes it is true. I was one of the so called “models” (I use that term very loosely in this case) that displayed the retro sideline gear. I can assure you it was part of my contractual requirement that landed me the gig and not my charming boyish good looks. Nevertheless, I felt very fortunate to be a part of it.
The event began with the introduction of an array of Blue Bombers alumni that had packed the stands during the ‘50s and ‘60s. It was great to hear the applause that each alumnus received from the crowd that had packed the Blue Bomber store. I have to admit that I was not very familiar with the majority of the alumni announced, but that did not stop me from getting caught up in the awe of the moment.
It took me back to my childhood and the fan that I grew up as. It reminded me of the school visits the Saskatchewan Roughrider players would make during the offseason and how I would line up with the rest of the kids in hopes of getting an autograph that, nine times out of ten, was not actually legible. It was still worth it though. I remember getting Ken Moore, Donald Narcisse and Roger Aldag’s autograph and thinking I was the luckiest kid in the world.
Besides the autographs, the main aspect I took away from the Retro unveiling was that the CFL had certainly done something right. The CFL is at is most stable since probably the late ‘70s or early ‘80s and continues to be one of the most unique leagues in the world.
Most things in life that have enduring success, whatever they may be, usually have common foundational building blocks of similarity: Hard Work and Genuine Investment.
Hard work is self explanatory. Genuine investment, in my mind, is the selfless act of the many people that have dedicated their lives to the game of football simply because they love it.
When you, as fans, throw on a Retro jersey this season make that time an opportunity to take an introspective look at what you are wearing and realize that you (we) are able to do this today because so many people over such a long period of time put their blood, sweat, tears and heart into this game on so many levels.
This game is part of the fabric of this great nation. The CFL was built with and alongside this country and has been key in establishing our unique identity. I hope this country never forgets that.
