Anthony Woodson signed a contract with the Tiger-Cats on February 11, 2015, but it was 165 days before the running back suited up in the Black and Gold.
Woodson, who’d previously spent time with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Toronto Argonauts, got his first game action for the Ticats last weekend in Saskatchewan.
The three-year CFL veteran had been held out until now with an injury, causing him to miss his first three games on Hamilton’s roster. After a long wait, the chance to play against the Riders was a relieving feeling for Woodson.
“For me personally, it was really nice to start contributing,” explained Woodson. “With everything that this organization has already done for me and the amazing staff that we have here, I really wanted to get out there and actually do something to give back.”
The fourth-year back did not see a carry against Saskatchewan, as CJ Gable— also back in the lineup after a lengthy injury— made headlines in his return.
Woodson is not worried about being the feature back, though, his strength comes from being versatile, providing the team with a player that can do everything on the offensive side of the ball.
The position bar above his locker says ‘RB’, but Woodson prides himself in producing on special teams, as well as being able to move around the offence as a receiver, tight end and a fullback if needed.
Along with that versatility, and in some ways inter-connected with it, Woodson exudes the values of a team-first player, willing to do whatever is needed to make the team better.
“That’s something that I know Coach Austin really emphasizes here, and basically everyone on this team is a team guy,” said Woodson. “…just contribute so that we can, as a unit, win a Grey Cup.”
This week is a fitting one for Woodson to make his home debut for the Ticats, as they face off against his former club, the Toronto Argonauts.
Woodson played part of the 2013 season and the entire 2014 season with the Argos, so the home opener will not be his introduction to Tim Hortons Field. As a member of the visiting Toronto team in last year’s Labour Day Classic, the running back recalls the atmosphere as a visiting player.
“The fans are insane here, I felt it from the other side,” said Woodson. “It definitely had some effect on you, so I’m pumped to have them behind my back this time.”
With the Ticats fans behind his back this time, Woodson is looking forward to laying it on the line against his former team, even though he still has many friends in the opponents’ locker room.
“I’ve got a lot of close buddies on the team,” exclaimed Woodson, “I’m not going to be going friendly with any of them, though, it’s going to be some hard-hitting stuff.”