My congratulations go out to BC Lions for bringing back a legendary player.
In honor of his career, which included three Grey Cup victories, six CFL all-star teams, a Most Outstanding player award in 2006, and setting records for career catches (1,029) and receiving yards (16,352), the B.C. Lions legend will be inducted into the CFL Hall of Fame in 2017.
This is a reprint of a column that 13-year Lions veteran Angus Reid wrote about Simon on July 25, 2014, the day he announced his retirement from football following his Grey Cup victory in Saskatchewan’s lone season.
With just seconds remaining in the 2004 game against the Roughriders, Geroy Simon celebrates his winning touchdown.
With just seconds remaining, Geroy Simon celebrates his winning touchdown against the Roughriders.
Mostly in awe. Being Geroy’s teammate in every game during his time with the B.C. Lions was a great blessing. Even in 2001, when we both visited the Lions during the same week, you could tell you were with someone unique and exceptional.
Although Geroy’s career stats speak for themselves, there was much more to his greatness than just those stats. That was his approach to every aspect of his professional life. It was his manner of being ready, his demeanor, his leadership, and perhaps most importantly, his giving back.
His resume of accomplishments is astounding. Naturally, his entire 2006 campaign (1,856 receiving yards, a career high), as well as the first-week catch in 2012 (breaking Milt Stegall’s record).career yards scored, typically at the top of most fans’ lists.
Among the plays that will always be remembered for contributing to the definition of Geroy’s greatness are two in particular.
One was the 2004 season finale for the Lions, which came down to the final play and required a victory over Saskatchewan in order to earn a bye.
A deep fade to the back of the end zone was thrown into tight double coverage by Spergon Wynn (do you remember him?). Geroy overcame two defenders and performed a miraculous move. It’s amusing to see the beginnings of the Superman pose when you look back at that catch. Then, it had a slightly different appearance.
Another instance occurred in the last month of 2009, when we participated in a cold-weather With 12 seconds remaining, they were behind in the Edmonton game.
The quarterback was Buck Pierce, and we were well out of the end zone. In essence, the play was a Hail Mary. Leaning back, Buck launched it as far as he could. Despite having strong double coverage, Geroy somehow managed to come down with the ball. After the two defenders collided while trying to make a tackle, Geroy scored the game-winning touchdown from 62 yards out, scooting untouched in a manner befitting Superman.
His talent was evident in those plays, but the story that best captures his significance to our team is one I will never forget.
In 2008, we were having trouble during a home game. The entire offense was observing from the sidelines as usual as the coaches attempted to figure out what was going on.
The coaches were going over calls, routes, and assignments with their grease boards out. Normally, Wally Buono would politely listen to the coaches’ ideas during these meetings, but this time he had had enough and took the grease board.
“This is a waste of time; just throw the ball to Geroy, and we’ll win!” stated Wally.
That was pretty much all the team needed to know about him. If you could get him the ball, everything would work out. When you have someone like that on your team, I can’t even begin to describe the confidence it gives everyone.
