Lemon on facing former team: ‘This game means a little bit more to me’

TORONTO — Just a few weeks after being traded to the BC Lions, defensive lineman Shawn Lemon is making his return to Toronto for the first time this weekend.

“I’m very excited to come back to Toronto to play against the Argonauts,” Lemon said on Thursday’s media conference call ahead of Saturday afternoon’s game at BMO Field.

“This game means a little bit more to me just from being in the city and to be playing with those teammates, winning a Grey Cup with them last year. But (I’m) just trying to get a win for the Lions to help us out with the playoff push.”

RELATED:
» Buy Tickets: BC at Toronto
» Watch: Lions at Argonauts preview
» Bio: Shawn Lemon by the numbers

Lemon sacks Edmonton QB Mike Reilly last week (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)

The Lions sit fourth in the West Division with a 3-4 record. With a big win against the Edmonton Eskimos last week in their back pockets, BC is heading to Toronto with confidence.

Just like his team, Lemon is also confident heading into Saturday’s contest. Lemon has been vocal this week, saying that he doesn’t think his former teammates on the Argonauts’ offensive line can contain him.

“Most definitely and the guys on this phone conference believes it too,” he chuckled when asked if he still stands by his comments.

Lemon was traded to the Lions in mid-July for negotiation list player and while he’s happy to be with the Lions, Lemon admitted he was a little disappointed to be leaving the city he called home.

“Just having my family there (in Toronto) and it being so close for my parents to come up to the games and having the connection with the guys in the locker room, I was a little disappointed about that,” admitted the pass-rusher. “But like I said, I’m thankful for getting the opportunity to come here to the Lions. It’s a great locker room here, a veteran locker room. The guys welcomed me with open arms here so I’m definitely excited about what the future holds for me here.”

Originally arriving in Toronto in 2016 from trade with Saskatchewan, Lemon enjoyed a productive couple of seasons with the Argos, earning East Division All-Star honours in 2016 before winning the second Grey Cup of his career in 2017.

In 33 games with the Boatmen, Lemon has recorded 23 sacks.

Now, the 29-year-old will bring his talents, and knowledge of his former team’s offence, back to Toronto.

“I know their offence,” said Lemon. “I know how they want to attack teams. I know how they want to attack me. I practiced against them every day.”

Lemon’s former teammate, James Wilder Jr, who was also on Thursday’s call, is looking forward to going head-to-head with the defensive lineman.

“He’s a great player,” Wilder said. “I think he’s feisty and it’s going to be pretty fun to be able to go against him and actually be able to show him what I have outside of practice in a real game.”