Team: Ottawa Renegades
Number/Position: #4 / QB
Date of Birth: October 4, 1973
In the past 3 decades many a player that was more than
capable of playing at their given position of quarterback
has decided that the Canadian Football League was the
only option available for them to continue their playing
career at that position. Joe Theismann and Warren Moon
are two names that quickly come to mind in proving the
point. But how about a player that was willing to put
in time in the NFL at another position with the thought
that one day he would be able to assume the role of
offensive team leader?
Kerry Joseph excelled at the QB spot at McNeese State,
but when the football powers came calling he was only
too willing to give a try at life on the other side
of the line of scrimmage, to continue his dream of one
day playing quarterback for a pro football team. After
5 years in the NFL playing mostly DB and kick returner,
Joseph was finally given a shot at playing QB, this
time with the Ottawa Renegades and he wasnÕt
about to let the opportunity get away. In fact, it was
a day to remember. "IÕve got to say that
starting that first game against Toronto gave me a great
feeling," Joseph related recently. "I have
always wanted to be a quarterback at the professional
level, and I finally got the chance. ItÕs like
a dream come true, believe me."
Oh, we believe, Kerry, but there must have been more
than a few challenges in not only switching back to
QB, but also in learning the not-so-subtle nuances of
the CFL brand of football. "The biggest challenge
for me was just switching from a defensive mindset to
one where I'm playing offence," Joseph continued.
"It was an adjustment just getting back to thinking
like a quarterback. I think that being a safety and
playing defence in another league helped me adjust because
I sort of knew what to expect from the defence when
I played against Toronto. As for the differences between
the American and Canadian games, I needed to adjust
to the speed of the game. In the CFL, you need to get
in and out of the huddle much faster. I also had to
become accustomed to the 12th player on the field. Another
thing that's different is the motion at the line of
scrimmage, especially having all receivers moving at
the snap."
And motion is a huge part of JosephÕs game.
He took advantage of the opportunity and gave Ottawa
fans a lot to cheer about. And he, too, felt good about
his start. "I thought I played pretty well, all
things considered. I was pretty confident heading into
the game because our coaching staff prepared me well.
I was confident that I could go out there and help the
team."
Joseph proved his all-around athleticism in his first
outing with the ÔGades. What fans may not know
about Kerry is that in college he sometimes had to step
in as a punter; there is a video clip floating around
in cyberspace that shows he could do that as a profession
if he chose to. "You know, I was the back-up punter
at McNeese and I punted in high school. That clip going
around has taken a life of its own, I think. The ball
went over my head. I just picked it up, turned to my
left and kicked it. Next thing I see is the ball taking
a good bounce and landing at the other end."
Regardless of where he ends up on the playing field,
it looks like Joseph has found a home with the Renegades
and with time will help the club get to the next level.
"I feel really confident playing quarterback,"
Kerry continued. "I just want to improve and make
the most of this opportunity. My goal is to get this
team into the playoffs. Anything can happen once you
get into the playoffs. I think I have the abilities
and the confidence to help get this team to where it
wants to be."
Want to see the punt Kerry is talking about? Have a
look here.
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