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With all the big plays he made in 2017, the 26-year-old kept hearing over and over again from his teammates he was sending a powerful message to aspiring quarterbacks in Canada that they can play the position in the CFL. ...
“If I actually failed, then it really closes the door for a lot of younger kids,” said Bridge, who stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 235 pounds. “My success is definitely really important, and that is definitely what I am going to try and do. I want to leave a legacy.
“For opening up a door and changing and breaking down a barrier and having the younger generation have an opportunity, I think that means way more than having all the accolades in the world.” ...
He discussed the issue with CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie in the off-season.
“Actually, it went well,” said Bridge. “I just told him that we were sending a terrible message to our youth.
“The CFL wants to encourage football development, but we’re not helping our development if we don’t change this ratio and let a quarterback having a Canadian nationality actually have that opportunity to actually play quarterback.” ...
Even with Collaros on the Roughriders roster, Bridge said he has to play as if he is trying to win the starting job.
“Obviously, every day I am going to have to compete no matter what, even if Zach (Collaros) wasn’t here,” said Bridge. “I would just still compete and still put my best foot forward, because there are other guys that definitely want to be the guy.
“We are all fighting for the same job, but we are all going to be supportive and help each other out.” ...
Bridge elected to remain with the Roughriders because of his comfort level with head coach and general manager Chris Jones. The signal-caller believes he has a legitimate chance to prove himself under Jones.