James Green is a jack of all football trades. Eventually, he would like to become master of just one.
From racking up big yards as a runningback with the Fulton Maroons, to patrolling every position in the defensive backfield with the Okanagan Sun, to returning punts and covering at safety with the Calgary Dinos, it is no wonder Green has struggled to shirk the label of utility player.
Then again, it is perhaps his ability to adapt and excel that has Green battling in the 99th Grey Cup against the B.C. Lions today in Vancouver. He has managed to transform himself yet again into a special teams ace with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
“That’s been the story of my career. I’ve played everything but quarterback and lineman,” grinned the outgoing 27-year-old.
“I’ve been grinding it out on special teams. I’m just trying to find my way. You want to fill a major position.”
The 5-foot-11, 217-pounder seems to be well on his way. Now in his third year in the CFL, and second with Winnipeg, Green ranked eighth in the league with a team-leading 17 special teams tackles in the regular season.
The Bombers finished at 10-8, sharing the East Division lead with the Montreal Alouettes.
A year ago, Green was fifth on the team with 12 special teams tackles. It was a season of turmoil for the organization, and one he and the Blue Bombers are happy to have behind them. They missed the playoffs after ending the regular season with a dismal 4-14 record.
But even as Winnipeg struggled, Green noticed the changes being made by the club to try and change the atmosphere.
“Even last year, you could tell by the way things were run. It’s pretty cool to be part of a professional organization like that,” he said.
“Nobody wanted to be in the position we were in last year. Everyone who wanted to make a difference made a difference, and here we are.
“I’ve been part of good programs all the way through. I know what it means to be part of a leading program.”
Winnipeg’s last Grey Cup win was in 1990, a lopsided 50-11 victory over the Edmonton Eskimos, also in Vancouver. They have played in the championship game four times since, losing in 2007, ‘01, ‘93 and ‘92.
And while the Lions are favoured to win at home, Green likes his “scrappy, hard-working” team’s chances. He says the key will be not to get overwhelmed by all the hype.
“Once all the smoke clears, it’s just another football game. Obviously it’s a bigger stage. I’m looking for a championship; that’s the only thing on my mind.”
Regarding the Lions, he added: “Great defence, great offence, great coach (Wally Buono) and great special teams – they’re like a four-headed monster.
“I know we’re going to make some plays. We just have to make more big plays than them.”
Green, who flew his mom Jeanie to Vancouver to watch him play in the newly renovated B.C. Place today, still marvels at how his career has blossomed.
“It’s amazing. From being a kid playing minor football in Vernon to being on the big stage is a great feeling,” he said.
Even though they will be in hostile territory, the Blue Bombers, who arrived in Vancouver Wednesday, probably aren’t all that upset to be playing in B.C. Place.
The Blue Bombers stuffed the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 19-3 in a freezer-like Eastern final Sunday in Winnipeg.
“It’s been like playing on the frozen tundra the last few weeks. It (ball) was like a rock,” laughed Green.
“And our stadium is like a wind tunnel, so it was like a constant whirlwind in there.”
After spending the last 58 years playing in Canad Inns Stadium (formerly Winnipeg Stadium), the Blue Bombers will take up residence in a new $190 million facility next season.
It won't have a roof.