Jovan Olafioye is thrilled that the BC Lions have welcomed him back with open arms after he considered or pondered a number of options in the NFL.
But the gratitude is definitely mutual. And now that the tackle has turned down any NFL offers, Lions GM Wally Buono has very fewer concerns on how to fix the injury bothered offensive line.
When Olafioye hung around the practice facility locker-room the day the Lions cleaned out their lockers this past November, many questioned whether he would or would not return.
Buono stated “If I’d lost (Olafioye), that would have been a huge loss for us.”
But Olafioye’s re-signing means the Lions now have three key parts to the puzzle in place for the coming season. Centre Angus Reid, Ben Archibald and himself, who are all stars.
Olafioye (25) who calls Detroit home is entering his fourth CFL season, was recently named the league’s most outstanding lineman in 2012. He has earned league all-star selections the past two campaigns and West Division all-star status in all three.
Veterans players like Jon Hameister-Ries (back injury) and Dean Valli (knee injury) are recuperating from off-season surgery, while Matt Norman, a guard touted as Reid’s eventual replacement will be around for a full season of play. He missed much of his rookie campaign so as to complete his teaching studies.
But, even after receiving a number of NFL offers and witnessing perks like multiple lounges, video games and shoes galore in the American circuit’s dressing rooms, Olafioye did not feel ready to leave the Lions.
He is the second Lion in recent days to stay put instead of pursuing the NFL dream. Solomon Elimimian re-signed with the Lions rather than take another shot at the NFL. He finished the 2012 season with BC following his release from both Minnesota and Cleveland.
Buono thought he had lost Olafioye after the 2011 season, when he signed with the St. Louis Rams. But the Rams voided the contract because Olafioye, who suffers from high blood pressure that is hereditary, was off his medication and failed a physical.
His health has gained considerable public discussion – but all of it has been moot, because he has never missed a game in three seasons with the Lions.
Despite the Rams’ concerns, his high blood pressure was not an issue last season as he relied on advice from his father, a Detroit-based doctor who specializes in internal medicine, and the team’s medical staff. Olafioye stayed on his medication and had monthly check-ups.
Dr. Salewa Olafioye, who attended Tuesday’s session and also suffers from high blood pressure, said his son’s health is under control and does not affect his ability to play. Olafioye’s health was not an issue with Buono, either, when the time came to re-sign him.
Buono also feels comfortable with the state of his offensive line, which could also feature the addition of University of Calgary guard Kirby Fabien, a 2012 first-round draft choice who chose to re-sign with the Dinos after exploring NFL options.
Buono said he expects Valli to be medically cleared to play in the first week of training camp. But the lineman already has a full range of motion back, and his recovery is ahead of schedule.
