June 9, 2016

Revamped Manny Show Expecting Big Ratings

Johany Jutras

By Matt Baker

VANCOUVER — It may only be early June, but the look on Manny Arceneaux’s face suggests it may as well be Labour Day. With his highlight reel catches, speed and eye black to go along with the typical Kamloops sweat on his face, the charismatic wide receiver looks to be in tip top shape entering 2016.

It has certainly been an excellent run of high ratings for the “Manny Show” since he reported to his first BC Lions camp in Abbotsford, B.C. in 2009. Despite the long run of success in orange, Arceneaux now admits he didn’t imagine he would be entering his long-term home that day at Columbia Bible College.

“I never worked out for BC, they just flew me in after seeing a highlight tape,” Arceneaux said. “When I got to camp, I was number 74 and not really getting many reps, but in pre-season when the lights came on in the fourth quarter, I made the most of my opportunity.”

BCLions.com

Arceneaux takes part in a workout in Kamloops, B.C. (BCLions.com)

Arceneaux has since used that first game experience to motivate the young receivers trying to break in every year at camp. “It doesn’t matter if you play three plays or sixty plays, you have to execute those three because they can be just as important.”

“We remember seeing that he was a big athlete,” Head Coach and General Manager Wally Buono said. “He seemed to be able to run fast and when he made those plays our interest peaked.”

The fact the Lions play Saskatchewan three times in 2016 should be excellent news because, for whatever reason, Arceneaux usually saves his best work for gang green, and more often than not, it is when the game is on the line.

Whether it is the Hail Mary catch to force overtime in the 2010 Western Semi-Final, or highlight reel reception to secure a victory in last season’s home opener, Manny has established his reputation as a big game player, at the Riders’ expense or whenever the Lions need a big play.

“You have to want the ball in those situations,” Arceneaux declared. “At that time everything really slows down for me. I try to stay cool, calm and collected and just know that it’s like any other play except there is only three seconds on the clock.”

Manny the mentor certainly has a nice ring to it as well. The playmaker admits it may be the result of an overall change in his attitude now that he provides support for his mother, aunt and young nephew.

“My game used to consist of trash talking, but now I have matured over the offseason,” the 2015 CFL All-Star said. “I realized I have more off field responsibilities with my family so that changed my perspective a lot. With my upbringing there is nothing they can throw at me on the field that’s harder than the way I was brought up.”

“You have to want the ball in those situations. At that time everything really slows down for me.”
Emmanuel Arceneaux

Arceneaux and his sister Tina were raised by his mother Chandra in Alexandria, La. The job she did to ensure they would live a good life has certainly played a role in the work ethic Arceneaux puts in both on and off the field. “She was an inspiration,” Arceneaux said. “I tip my hat to her because she never complained. It’s just time for me to hold the baton she’s passed to me so that I can take care of the family.”

“He impresses all of us with his work ethic,” Buono added. “He’s always at full speed and giving you 100 per cent. This is why Manny has progressed to be one of the big receivers in our league. I don’t hear him jibber jabber in practice like he used to. If that’s trash talk then he has calmed that down and put more energy into practice.”

Along with his intense football training this past off-season, Arceneaux became engaged to long-time girlfriend Andria Williams. A new lease on life off the field should most certainly help Arceneaux in his quest to help bring the Lions back to their winning ways. Having not won a Grey up yet himself (he was in the middle of his two-year NFL stint in 2011) will no doubt motivate him as well.

“It’s a blessing to lace up the cleats and play football. You can never take this game for granted because you are one injury away from everything being over. I still approach every camp like it’s my first.”

Buy your tickets. The new Manny Show is about to premiere.