TMI: Rene Paredes’ secret to the perfect kick

Before Rene Paredes hits the field he visualizes exactly what he’s going to do.

He thinks about making contact with the ball and then it flying through the uprights. Then, he takes a deep breath and walks onto the turf.

Perhaps that visualization is how the Stampeders kicker is leading the league in field goal percentage with 91.7%. He’s made 44 of his 48 field goal attempts so far this season and has also connected on 32 of 38 converts.

The 32-year-old has scored 168 points for his team – good for second in the league, just behind Winnipeg’s Justin Medlock (172).

So on behalf of every Stampeders fan (and the team itself), I say, Rene, don’t stop whatever it is that you’re doing.

Paredes also became a father over the off-season – one of four Stampeders to do so – which means any time he’s not playing football he’s spending time with his son.

What’s on his pre-game playlist and what super power would he have? Find out in this edition of TMI!

Kristina Costabile: Tell me something no one knows about you.

Rene Paredes: I’ve played soccer my whole life. When I used to live in the States I was a part of the Florida team and the regional team. I made it pretty far then once I stopped playing soccer, I focused more on football. That was in high school when I lived in Florida.

KC: What do you like to do in your free time?

RP: As of now, I’m just hanging out with my six month old baby. It’s definitely different this year. I love every moment with my baby boy. For now that’s what I do during my off-time of football, (I) hang out with my son and enjoy every moment.

KC: What’s on your pre-game playlist?

RP: I have hip hop. Obviously I have a lot of Spanish music. I pretty much just play hip hop and Spanish music on my iPod before a game.

KC: Do you have any pre-game superstitions or routines?

RP: I don’t know if I’d call it a superstition but I like to visualize. I visualize a lot before I go on the field. I visualize me hitting the ball well and seeing the ball go through the posts. And I take a lot of deep breaths right before I get on the field just to calm me down and make me focus. Other than that I don’t think I have any superstitions. I just have a routine but I don’t have anything superstitious that I have to do.

KC: What is your favourite football memory?

RP: I have a couple. Obviously winning the Grey Cup in 2014 and also getting the CFL record for most consecutive field goals (Editors note: Paredes holds the CFL record for most consecutive field goals (39) in 2012-13). That was something that was very hard to do and it was one of my biggest moments in the CFL.

KC: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you bring with you?

RP: I love to eat, so definitely food.

KC: What kind of food?

RP: I love Caribbean food!

KC: Do you cook?

RP: No, but my parents are Caribbean so I ate that a lot. And the other two things would be water and an iPod.

KC: Are you binge watching anything?

RP: I’m watching a lot of Narcos right now. That’s one of my favourite shows right now.

KC: If you could have any super power what would it be and why?

RP: To be invisible because you get to know to places that you won’t be noticed!