CFL SUPERSTAR QB BURRIS PLANS TO RETIRE IN CALGARY

In conversations with the media before the Calgary Stampeders hosted the Saskatchewan Roughriders, QB Henry Burris had fond memories of his time in Regina but made it very clear—his plan is to retire in Calgary.  Burris got his first starting gig back in 2000 with Saskatchewan, but is now very content playing QB for the Grey Cup Champion Stampeders.

Based on his experience in Saskatchewan, he’s definitely empathetic to the plight of the Riders’ young QB Darian Durrant and shared his advice for him:

"He's going to make the mistakes and that's going to happen. It's a situation where you have to be patient with a young quarterback. There are going to be times when the fans think he should have reacted a different way than he did. It's lot easier sitting the bleachers playing John Madden football than when it's taking place right in your face."
 
"You're the premier of Saskatchewan right now and whatever you say and do will be held against you in the court of law. There will always be somebody who objects to what you have done. You have to play your game, do your job and don't press.''

“I see a bright future ahead of him. We need young quarterbacks in this league and I wish him lots of success."

Burris signed a four year contract extension in the off season, and emphasized that he now feels at home in Calgary:

"It gives me a sense of security. I love Calgary and it's a great city. I've learned a lot and I've made a lot of great friends. Both of my children were born here and this is home for us. It's nice knowing that and not having the questions about where I might be next year and testing free agency or not."

He also confirmed that he’s not content with a single Grey Cup championship:

"One of the first things that came to mind last year was 2004 with Saskatchewan when we missed a kick in the semifinal and didn't make it to the Grey Cup. That was one of those opportunities that got away. You're reminded of those things when you accomplish something and it made me hungrier for more. It made up for all the downs that I went through and now I'm on top of the world."

One of Burris’ favorite targets, receiver Jermaine Copeland playfully insisted that Saskatchewan fans ‘get over’ Burris’ ‘defection’ to Calgary:

“They have to let him go and realize that he's not coming back to Regina. He's a Calgary Stampeder and he will be one for a long time."

Copeland then added a more serious observation:

“Winning the Grey Cup separated him from the regular class of quarterbacks. Now that he has another four years to play and if he wins another Grey Cup or two, he'll be up there with elite class of quarterbacks."