R.J
02-08-2012, 01:21 PM
as per Sportsnet.ca
Canadian Football League free agency doesn't begin until Feb. 16, but the Toronto Argonauts have already added the biggest piece to their puzzle, new quarterback Ricky Ray.
Ray said things have quieted down significantly since the Argos acquired him from the Edmonton Eskimos on Dec. 12 in a deal that sent QB Steven Jyles, kicker Grant Shaw and a first-round pick out West.
The former Grey Cup MVP is still in limbo, currently trying to sell his place in Edmonton, but plans on settling down in Toronto fulltime at some point before the season starts.
Ray said he has been received well by the fans and is looking forward to what should be an exciting season playing in Toronto.
"The excitement's here, obviously the Grey Cup's going to be here this year, so I'm definitely excited about the opportunity to come out here and work with (new Argos head coach) Scott Milanovich," Ray told sportsnet.ca.
It's often difficult for players to adjust to a new town, especially when they've played for one team for nearly a decade. Ray joined the Eskimos in 2002 and, besides a 2004 stint as a backup for the New York Jets, was that franchise's leader.
The 32-year-old won't be a complete stranger in his new dressing room though.
"I've played with (Noel) Prefontaine and have a good relationship with him," said Ray who has also played with receiver Maurice Mann and defensive back Jordan Younger. "That's going to make the transition a little bit easier, knowing a few guys out here."
Another thing that will make the transition easier will be the fact Ray has a bevy of talented offensive players he is looking forward to playing with, such as running back Cory Boyd and return specialist Chad Owens.
"Watching Cory over the last few years, he's a big, tough, hard runner. I've been in contact with him and look forward to playing with him," Ray said. "And Chad Owens, he does so many things for you as a football team as far as offence and special teams. He's going to be a big weapon so I definitely look forward to playing with those guys."
Boyd, Owens and Ray will be key offensive components on an Argos team that is part of the new look Eastern Conference. Ray said he's curious to see what the East will be like in 2012.
"There's been a lot of changes throughout the CFL this year with some trades and it seems like there's a lot of new head coaches throughout the league as well so you definitely see a shift," Ray said.
"The Eastern Division kind of going with -- I want to say older quarterbacks but they tell me to say experienced quarterbacks; and the West is sticking with their younger guys so it's going to be fun to go out there and compete and see how the season unfolds and we're going to try to hold our own out here."
Ray -- who was recently a guest at the 61st Annual Conn Smythe Sports Celebrities Dinner & Auction in Toronto -- said he is also looking forward continuing his charitable efforts, something he did while with the Eskimos.
"Coming from Edmonton, we do a pretty good job of being involved in the community. They've got a lot of different things that they were able to do out there, stay in school programs, reading week, Monday morning magic, going to the hospital and visiting kids, so they've done a good job at getting us involved in the community and it's going to probably be no different here," Ray said.
The Argos, lead by team vice-chairman Michael "Pinball" Clemons, are active in the community as well and that's something Ray is passionate about.
"With Pinball and some of the programs the Argonauts have in place, I'm looking forward to just coming out here and helping out wherever I can and just being involved."
In nine seasons in the CFL Ray has thrown for 40,529 yards, 210 touchdowns and 130 interceptions. Ray has also rushed for 2,662 yards and 36 TDs.
Canadian Football League free agency doesn't begin until Feb. 16, but the Toronto Argonauts have already added the biggest piece to their puzzle, new quarterback Ricky Ray.
Ray said things have quieted down significantly since the Argos acquired him from the Edmonton Eskimos on Dec. 12 in a deal that sent QB Steven Jyles, kicker Grant Shaw and a first-round pick out West.
The former Grey Cup MVP is still in limbo, currently trying to sell his place in Edmonton, but plans on settling down in Toronto fulltime at some point before the season starts.
Ray said he has been received well by the fans and is looking forward to what should be an exciting season playing in Toronto.
"The excitement's here, obviously the Grey Cup's going to be here this year, so I'm definitely excited about the opportunity to come out here and work with (new Argos head coach) Scott Milanovich," Ray told sportsnet.ca.
It's often difficult for players to adjust to a new town, especially when they've played for one team for nearly a decade. Ray joined the Eskimos in 2002 and, besides a 2004 stint as a backup for the New York Jets, was that franchise's leader.
The 32-year-old won't be a complete stranger in his new dressing room though.
"I've played with (Noel) Prefontaine and have a good relationship with him," said Ray who has also played with receiver Maurice Mann and defensive back Jordan Younger. "That's going to make the transition a little bit easier, knowing a few guys out here."
Another thing that will make the transition easier will be the fact Ray has a bevy of talented offensive players he is looking forward to playing with, such as running back Cory Boyd and return specialist Chad Owens.
"Watching Cory over the last few years, he's a big, tough, hard runner. I've been in contact with him and look forward to playing with him," Ray said. "And Chad Owens, he does so many things for you as a football team as far as offence and special teams. He's going to be a big weapon so I definitely look forward to playing with those guys."
Boyd, Owens and Ray will be key offensive components on an Argos team that is part of the new look Eastern Conference. Ray said he's curious to see what the East will be like in 2012.
"There's been a lot of changes throughout the CFL this year with some trades and it seems like there's a lot of new head coaches throughout the league as well so you definitely see a shift," Ray said.
"The Eastern Division kind of going with -- I want to say older quarterbacks but they tell me to say experienced quarterbacks; and the West is sticking with their younger guys so it's going to be fun to go out there and compete and see how the season unfolds and we're going to try to hold our own out here."
Ray -- who was recently a guest at the 61st Annual Conn Smythe Sports Celebrities Dinner & Auction in Toronto -- said he is also looking forward continuing his charitable efforts, something he did while with the Eskimos.
"Coming from Edmonton, we do a pretty good job of being involved in the community. They've got a lot of different things that they were able to do out there, stay in school programs, reading week, Monday morning magic, going to the hospital and visiting kids, so they've done a good job at getting us involved in the community and it's going to probably be no different here," Ray said.
The Argos, lead by team vice-chairman Michael "Pinball" Clemons, are active in the community as well and that's something Ray is passionate about.
"With Pinball and some of the programs the Argonauts have in place, I'm looking forward to just coming out here and helping out wherever I can and just being involved."
In nine seasons in the CFL Ray has thrown for 40,529 yards, 210 touchdowns and 130 interceptions. Ray has also rushed for 2,662 yards and 36 TDs.