Passing the O-Line Torch

Brandon Revenberg was messing around with his teammates. When he splashed water on Mike Filer and Ryan Bomben it seemed like innocent horseplay. Only later did the Tiger-Cats’ left guard understand the hailstorm of revenge he had unleashed. Revenberg learned two valuable lessons that day. One: don’t mess with the offensive line. And two: don’t leave your boxers unattended. As he pulled on his underwear, Revenberg was met with the burning sensation of Icy Hot in a place it just didn’t belong.
Revenberg was the Tiger-Cats’ first round draft pick in 2016 and now starts at left guard for the team. His ability to find immediate success at the professional level was due to a number of factors, including the strong mentoring presence of the Tiger-Cats’ offensive line. Mentors are an important part of every young CFL player’s development, and there are numerous examples across the league. Eskimos’ quarterback Mike Reilly cut his teeth backing up Travis Lulay in BC. This season, Reilly is mentoring the talented James Franklin who bides his time in the Edmonton wings. For the upstart Revenberg, veteran Ticats Filer and Bomben, have filled the mentor role.
“I’m just a year and a bit into the process and those two have definitely helped me out along the way. A lot of the things I’ve learned have honestly been from them,” says Revenberg.
Playing alongside established veterans like Filer and Bomben has helped Revenberg mature as a player, even as he has weathered the brunt of youthful pranks.
“When you come to the pros, you set a high standard for yourself,” says Revenberg. “If you mess up on a play it can get to you sometimes. The biggest thing they told me was to flush it, and move on. At the end of the day, the other team is also getting paid to play and sometimes they’re going to beat you. You just have to forget about it and move on.”

Bomben has six full seasons of CFL experience to draw on, and is glad to provide the youngster with similar pointers.
“Both of us have played a lot longer than Revenberg has, so we can help him with the small things in his technique,” says Bomben.
Filer agrees, saying, “We’re there to support him. When he makes mistakes we aren’t jumping on him. We’re trying to take our time with him because he’s still learning.”
The interior offensive linemen are there to give Revenberg tips on his game and help him grow as a player, but their advice isn’t limited to the football field.
“The best personal advice Filer ever gave me was questioning why I ever got married,” jokes Revenberg. “But in all seriousness, those guys are there for me if I ever need someone to talk to. They look out for me.”
Mentorship, when done correctly, results in the younger player emulating both the play and the character of the experienced mentor. A strong character is something that Filer picked up from his own mentors, former Ticats Marwan Hage and Peter Dyakowski.
When Hage retired from football in 2014, he did so with numerous accolades to his name. Hage was an East Division all-star in 2007 and 2010, as well as a CFL all-star in 2010. He was even named to the Ticats’ all-time team before his retirement. In addition to his playing career he was awarded the Tom Pate Memorial Award for outstanding sportsmanship and significant contribution to his team, community, and Association.
Dyakowski was a long-serving Tiger-Cat who was named an East Division all-star in 2012. Dyakowski was as impactful in the community as he was on the field during his nine seasons in Hamilton.
“I just want to do for Revenberg what Marwan [Hage] and Peter [Dyakoswki] did for me,” says Filer. “They were my mentors, and still are to this day.”
Bomben has to think back to his formative years with the Alouettes when listing his mentors.
“Scott Flory and Jeff Perry were a big part of my development,” says Bomben.
The trickle-down effect from a string of positive role models can be seen in the actions of Filer and Bomben, who are positive forces in the community. Filer is a fixture at community events during both the off-season and the regular season.
The locker room environment with Filer and Bomben was a natural fit for Revenberg.
“Those two bicker like older brothers. If anything I’m the younger brother mixed in with it,” says Revenberg. “I have two older brothers. I think that’s why I transitioned so easily.”
The three offensive linemen are very much like brothers: playing football together, learning from each other, and providing support in times of need.
Filer and Bomben have reached a point in their career where they are tasked with passing along their expertise, and kindling the torch for Revenberg.
One day, a veteran Revenberg may be putting Icy Hot in a recent draft pick’s underwear.