Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
‘Coach Jones, dab!’
That was the chant from grade school kids being orchestrated by Duron Carter at Roughriders practice on Wednesday as the dynamic and ‘misunderstood’ receiver … err … defensive back had all of Saskatchewan and the Canadian Football League talking all week.
Carter is a master at fan engagement, whether it be positive or negative. Most of it is positive. It’s the negative that has led Carter to wearing out his welcome in Montreal and led to more talk of whether the same is happening in Saskatchewan.
Carter quickly described his persona as ‘misunderstood’ when he first spoke to reporters in Saskatchewan.
What you see more often than not is an interesting 26-year-old who shares his life on social media and shares his time outside the game with the fans.
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We’ve seen the endearing story of Carter giving the ball to a young cancer survivor, ensuring another kid at a game got a touchdown ball from Bakari Grant.
This week in the midst of controversy, fans were quick to share the stories of the Carter they’ve met this season. A story shared was of Carter at training camp in Saskatoon bending down to talk to a little girl. The subject of their lengthy conversation?
Butterflies.
I don’t think I need to tell you, that’s bloody adorable.
Carter’s big smile and chuckle allows media to interview him quite comfortably. He rarely takes a subject or himself too seriously.
Oh, and he can play football. The Riders’ most targeted receiver also has the most yards and most touchdowns. Many of his catches are of the highlight variety.
This week, Riders head coach Chris Jones will line Carter up and defensive back against the Calgary Stampeders, going as far to say the Carter may actually be a better defensive back than a receiver.
There is a lot to like.
That’s only part of the whole picture for Carter.
There is the other side and why fans in Saskatchewan were calling talk shows and writing in to voice their displeasure when Carter first signed.
I remember it well, taking calls on my show from fans concerned of the type of locker room guy he’d be.
They saw the bump on REDBLACKS Rick Campbell that got him suspended.
They saw the Alouettes release him in the middle of a playoff race. They saw the pouting and having arguments on the sideline with teammates.
While Carter will tell you it’s all a misunderstanding and that he shouldn’t be criticized for wearing his heart on his sleeve, perception becomes reality.
And perception among some people is that Carter’s bad moments start to outweigh the good.
This week we saw the pouting on the sideline. We saw the Twitter beef with former Roughriders receiver Jeff Fairholm, who criticized Carter on twitter based on Fairholm’s own perception. There was the fight between Carter and teammate Sam Williams and Carter was once again caught in controversy.
We also saw him catch 11 balls for 231 yards.
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Maybe Carter’s high-energy, charismatic personality is both a blessing and a curse, as he’ll own a room but also own the headlines.
Fans in Saskatchewan, however, have changed their tune from the day he signed.
More fans are willing to stick up for Carter after seeing him for themselves. They like the touchdown celebrations, the player who will engage them on social media and in person.
I’ve seen more ’89 Carter’ jerseys at the new Mosaic Stadium than any other new Rider this season.
What’s Carter’s next act?
Maybe an interception on Friday. Maybe a highlight-reel touchdown. Maybe it’ll be something people will perceive as ‘bad Duron’.
We don’t know. And that’s what makes it most intriguing. We just sit back and enjoy the show.
Football is just a TV show after all. Carter’s words, not mine.
Chris Jones didn’t dab by the way. He didn’t hear the chant across the field.
