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“John is an incredible talent that brings significant CFL experience, professionalism and a winning pedigree to our team,” Tiger-Cats Vice-President of Football Operations, General Manager and Head Coach Kent Austin said following the signing. “He has the ability to create pressure on the quarterback and has been solid against the run throughout his career.” ...
Chick has always pride himself in getting involved in community initiatives. Since coming to Hamilton, he participated in the Community Softball Classic the Tiger-Cats held on May 15 and will only continue to get more involved with the Ticats fans and the people of Hamilton.
“Wherever we’re [his family] at, we believe that’s our community, and I always believe it’s our obligation to be as involved as we can.”
Chick came into the league in 2007 when he joined the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He would then spend 2010-2012 in the NFL before re-joining the Riders. During his CFL career, Chick has shoved his way to 53 quarterback sacks, 170 tackles and 10 forced fumbles. He would also win a Grey Cup in 2009, the same year he was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player.
Following the signing, Chick said he was very excited and ready to embark on a new chapter in his career. “No matter where you are in life, change can always be a good thing.”
Chick joins a unit that was arguably the most dominant on the defensive side of the ball last season while also adding some veteran leadership to the young group. That being said, Chick was well aware the importance behind him fitting in with his new teammates than his own personal success.
“It’s not so much about personal stats than as it is how you fit as a whole,” said Chick. That’s something Chick expressed his excitement about while also looking back on his success and building on the same goals he has in place for himself year after year. He will bring a high-energy playing style for fans to be entertained by and offences to fear come game days. ...
The 33-year-old Chick is eager and excited to play in front of the Ticats crowd at Tim Horton’s Field and spoke fondly of the fan base that Hamilton has to offer. “I find it unique. It’s more of a metropolis, you’ve got your pick between basketball, baseball, football, hockey, all those different things going on and yet you still have a pretty spectacular fan base.” The former Rider mentioned he’d always notice and feel the impact of the crowd. Whether it was at Ivor Wynne, in Guelph, or at Tim Horton’s Field, he reflected on his time as a Rider and a visiting player. “To be in a place like this where the fan base is strong and to see where the club has been the last few years, it’s something I very much am looking forward to.”