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TMI: Jerome Messam, the gentle giant
Jerome Messam is a beast on the football field. He plows through defensive lines and when any one on the defence tries to tackle him? Think again.. it’s not happening. He’s also first in the league in rushing yards (490) and rushing touchdowns (six). Like I said, he’s a beast.
But off the field? He’s a gentle giant.
Chatting with Jerome on his mini media tour last week (click here to see his adventures around Toronto), he told me all about his super adorable daughter, Jaia.
He sings along to her favourite YouTube videos with her and takes really, really cute selfies with her too (see below).
I also found out that Jerome is a really good cook. He says he’s the best on his team (any Stampeders want to test this theory? I can totally be the judge…) And if he wasn’t playing football, Jerome would likely be a gym teacher – or maybe even a guidance councilor.
And you’ll never guess what Jerome does during every warm up before a game. I’m serious. You’ll never guess.
Find out all of this and more in this edition of TMI!
Kristina Costabile: What’s the best part about being a dad?
Jerome Messam: Just how she looks at me, how she smiles. Just knowing that I have to protect and take care of this little girl for the rest of her life. It’s just an amazing feeling to see that she’s a part of me. My DNA helped create this human being.
KC: What’s the grossest thing you’ve had to do so far?
JM: She’s pooped on me a few times. She’s pooped on me in the bathtub.
KC: What’s Jaia’s favourite cartoon?
JM: She loves Elmo. There’s this show called Badanamu. It’s these cartoon characters, birds and ponies and they do music videos and they’re very colourful so it’s good for babies.
KC: Is there one that you actually like?
JM: I like the Ponytail video! (Editors note: PLEASE watch this video and imagine Jerome watching – and dancing – along with his daughter)
KC: Tell me something fans might not know about you.
JM: I’m a chef. I’m one of the best cooks, I like to say, in my family and on the team.
KC: What’s your specialty?
JM: Anything Caribbean. My parents are Jamaican so I make jerk chicken, lots of curries and barbecue a lot of stuff. I just love to cook, really. My mom’s a single mother so I’ve been cooking for myself since I was six. She would go to work and I would get my little sister together and I’d be standing there on the chair cooking eggs and stuff like that. I’ve always had a love for the kitchen.
Catch our Brodie Lawson hanging out with Jerome and Jaia earlier this off-season as he got fitted for a custom suit!
KC: What do you make yourself for your pregame meal?
JM: It depends on the game. If it’s an afternoon game, I’ll just have a big breakfast. Traditional like bacon and eggs, toast, pancakes stuff like that. If it’s a night game, I’ll have a big pasta dinner. I love lasagna, I love penne, anything with meat sauce really.
KC: If you could be stranded on a deserted island with one teammate, who would it be?
JM: Ricky Stanzi.
KC: Why Ricky?
JM: Because Uncle Ricky is just a funny guy. He’s a great personality. I’m sure I’d be laughing. I wouldn’t be bored on the island.
KC: What three things would you bring with you?
JM: Lighting device, a boat and a hammock.
KC: What would you be doing if you weren’t a football player?
JM: I would be a gym teacher. I have a degree in sociology and human services with a minor in phys ed. I think I’d want to work in the high school system as a guidance councilor or gym teacher.
KC: What is your favourite football memory?
JM: Playing for Team Canada in 2005. Going to Jacksonville, Florida. We beat Team USA and I had like 300 yards and kick return in that game. It was awesome.
KC: Do you have any superstitions or routines you have to do before a game?
JM: It’s weird. I actually vomit before every game. Not on purpose, it just comes. I’ve got the Willie Beamen syndrome (from Any Given Sunday).
KC: Is it because you’re nervous, excited?
JM: I think it’s nerves. It’s just a natural reaction. I throw up literally during the warm up in every game.
KC: If you could have any super power what would it be?
JM: To shape shift or invisible.
