Free agent National DB Adam Berger was attracted to signing with the Stampeders when former teammate Joshua Bell told him he was considering retiring to become a coach, opening up a starting position in the defensive backfield.

When that move was confirmed in early February, Berger knew where he wanted to be.
“Immediately, Calgary jumped off the page to me as somewhere that I really, really wanted to return to,” said Berger. “Obviously, they treated me well and they have a great team and a great organization, so I always would have been okay going back. But as soon as that kind of happened, I was really, really hoping that [I would go back], and then it all worked out on signing day, so yeah, it was perfect.”
Because the Stampeders were previously utilizing an international safety in Bell, Berger decided that it made sense to explore other options during last year’s free agency, ultimately choosing to sign with the RedBlacks.
The emergence of national player Tunde Adeleke at the safety position this past season, coupled with Bell’s move to defensive backs coach, made a return to Calgary more than ideal for Berger.
“It was kind of a two-fold thing where I’m good friends with [Bell] and I know he’s going to be an excellent coach so that had its own draw,” he explained. “But then also the fact that the team was moving towards a Canadian safety also had a big draw, giving me opportunity to be a backup or whatever my role is going to be there, it will possibly be more significant than when I was first there.”
Berger expects Adeleke to be “the guy” for the Stampeders when they kick off their 2018 season, and that’s just fine with him.
For now, at least.
“Anywhere I sign, I want to start, I want to play as much as I can. So I’m coming into camp ready, I’m going to be competing, I’m going to make sure he’s on his A-game and knows all his stuff and all that,” said Berger. “But at the end of the day, I try to put my ego aside for what’s best for the team, and if he’s our guy going forth then I will support him 100 percent. If something happens, whatever happens, and I’m in there, I’m going to be ready to go.”
https://www.stampeders.com/2018/02/2...e-wants-to-be/