Calgary Stampeders training camp is underway and Drew Tate looks healthy, strong and ready to play. He’s eager to play whatever role the team needs him in.
Tate signed with the Stampeders in 2009 after going unsigned by the NFL’s St. Louis Rams in 2007 and spending the remaining time on the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ practice roster. His time with the Stampeders has been somewhat tumultuous.
In 2010, Drew performed well as back up to starting quarterback Henry Burris. He had a 71% completion rate, seven touchdowns, and no interceptions. He was used mostly for short-yardage plays. In 2011, Tate assumed the starting quarterback spot late in the season, replacing Burris.
Since then, Drew Tate has had some productive starts but suffered setbacks due to injury. A dislocated shoulder kept him out for most of the 2012 season, although most fans will remember his completed pass to Romby Bryant in the last 20 seconds of the game to win the semi-final against Saskatchewan.
Tate also saw limited action in 2013 due to a forearm injury. Veteran CFL quarterback Kevin Glenn took the reins once again, only to fall to injuries himself. Enter another young Texan QB, third-string Bo Levi Mitchell. Mitchell was successful on the field from the start, even being named CFL’s offensive player of the week on his first starting game.
In 2014, head coach and general manager John Hufnagel had an important decision to make: name Tate, a spirited veteran Stampeder, as starting quarterback, or go with Bo Levi Mitchell, who was a top performer when called upon. The rest, they say, is history.
This year, the 2015 training camp opened, Drew Tate has looked relaxed, strong, healthy, and ready to be part of the team in whatever capacity. Tate did recently renegotiate his deal with the Stampeders, ending speculation that Tate would look elsewhere. Both Hufnagel and Dave Dickenson are happy to have Tate, seeing in him the will and capacity to take the lead should the need arise.
Of course, there’s still the question that’s plagued Tate’s starting career: can he stay healthy? When asked about his health and his participation this year, Tate said, “I feel great, and really whether it’s playing quarterback, throwing, running, short yardage, holding snaps or whatever responsibility they give me, I will be there.”
Tate spent the majority of the off season working with trainers, and admitted to getting a lot of massages to help with previous injuries and getting stronger. He mentioned his range of motion, different muscle use and the way he throws the ball have evolved from his pre-injury days. He continued, “At the end of the day, you have to leave all that behind when you get out on the field and just play ball.”
Having both Bo Levi Mitchell and Drew Tate as quarterbacks, healthy and signed with extended contracts, gives the Stampeders extra insurance going into the new season.
