MIKE BRADWELL
Toronto Argonauts Wide Receiver

I had finally caught the attention of CFL scouts and was invited to attend CFL Evaluation Camp in 2008. I immediately began training for the combine but unfortunately I tore my hamstring running sprints two weeks before the event. This limited my participation in the combine, however I did enough to impress the Toronto Argonauts and they selected me in the second round, 13th overall, of the 2008 CFL Canadian Draft.

This was a dream come true and I still remember watching the draft live with my friends and family from my home in Toronto. I continued to rehab my hamstring but setbacks had caused me to miss the first week of training camp. This was devastating; it was hard enough trying to make the team and become involved with teammates while healthy. I attempted to practice after the first pre-season game but it was clear I was not ready and I received word before the second pre-season game that I would return to McMaster for another year and be brought back next season. This was a tough pill to swallow yet in hindsight I was able to finish my degree that year and not have to rush back my hamstring.

I finally returned to the gridiron midway through the season for McMaster and was fortunate enough to play 2 games at the breathtaking new Ronald V. Joyce Stadium. This was especially meaningful to me because it was the first game I had played on campus, our previous “home” games were played at Ivor Wynne Stadium for the last 4 years.

I re-signed with the Argos at the end of my university season and began training again for the 2009 season. My hamstring was finally coming along and I looked forward to showing my new teammates and coaches what I could do on field. Although I attended training camp the previous year, I was still considered a rookie and had to suit up for the five days of rookie camp. This was a good opportunity for me to get accustomed to the speed of the game as well as the new offensive schemes. Perhaps the most important thing in training camp is staying healthy.

For receivers, hamstrings are notorious at pulling and this often leads to players not making the team. With my hamstring recovering only recently, I was just hoping it would make it through the rigorous three weeks of training camp. On the third day of rookie camp during one-on-ones, I caught a ball and the defender attempted to rip the ball out after the catch and in doing so caught my finger. I managed to make it through the practice but x-rays revealed it was indeed broken and I would be out 3-4 weeks. Again this was devastating. Our excellent training staff led by Erin Brooks created a splint that would protect my finger and allow me to play however catching would become very difficult.

After a few days of letting the swelling subside, I suited up with the splint and attempted to practice. There were some balls I should have caught but all in all I managed well over the next 10 days and earned a spot to play in the first pre-season game against Montreal. My first time on the field was a kick-off return and I remember my heart pounding as I lined up. I dropped back to block my man and somehow during the return the ball squeaked out of the returner’s hands and rolled towards me. I jumped on the ball and was piled on by several players but managed to hold on to the ball. I had survived my first play in the CFL and suddenly the nerves faded away. In the third quarter, I got some playing time at receiver and had my first reception on an in pattern from quarterback Stephen Reaves.

I was very worried about catching with this splint on my hand but after that first reception, I felt very satisfied. The next few days of training camp were in preparation for the final pre-season game against Hamilton. The game was in Hamilton and I had a group of around 20 family and friends attending the game. I was very fortunate to be able to play much of the second half and ended with a game-high 6 receptions for 73 yards. The roster for the 2009 season was announced the next day and I had made the team. With our team set, we could concentrate the long 18 game season ahead.