Big John Reaches Big 100

John Chick has been terrorizing Canadian Football League offensive linemen and quarterbacks for nearly a decade and has reached a big milestone in his football career.
The towering six-foot-four, 254 lbs defensive end will play in his 100^th career game on Sunday night against the Calgary Stampeders.
“It’s nice to know kind of where you are in the timeline,” said Chick. “I definitely plan to go out and have a great game, as I try every week.”
Chick made his CFL debut as a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders back on July 8, 2007 against the Stampeders. The Gillette, Wyoming native wasted no time making his presence felt in the league by registering a sack in his very first game, setting the tone for his career.
Ticats head coach Kent Austin was the bench boss in Saskatchewan when Chick won a Grey Cup with the Riders in 2007. Austin knew what he was getting in Chick when the Ticats signed the free agent earlier this year.
“He’s had an amazing career,” said Austin. “He’s an amazing person. He’s a quiet leader and a true professional. He knows how to practice. He knows how to play. He cares about his teammates. He cares about being great. He’s a great person off the field. He has all of the qualities you want in a locker room.”
At 33 years old and 100 games into his career, Chick shows no signs of slowing down and is on pace to have one of his best seasons to date. His seven sacks this season tied him for the league lead heading into Week 10. He is also tied for second in forced fumbles and fumble recoveries with two in each category.
Chick credits his faith and work ethic for his ability to maintain the same high level of play year after year.
“I have to take responsibility for my part of it, and the biggest part of that is taking care of your body,” said Chick. “Whether it’s on the football field or in the weight room and off seasons, it’s about never giving up. And when you’re out on the field, it’s giving it your all.
“I’m not any type of special play maker or anything like that, at least how I’ve seen it, but I’ve never stopped working.”
Known as “Big John” for his hard hitting sacks and defensive presence, Chick has more than lived up to his nickname during his CFL career. His accolades through 100 games include being named a CFL West All-Star and CFL All-Star twice as well as being awarded the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award in 2009.
So does Chick have another 100 games left in him?
“I doubt another 100 games,” said Chick. “But I’ve definitely got some left in me and I’m looking forward to giving it my best out there.”
Click here to see John Chick’s career stats.