Renegades quarterback Kerry Joseph ready for 2005 season

Published on March 23, 2005 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Ottawa Renegades News Release


OTTAWA – Ottawa Renegades quarterback Kerry Joseph is healthy. He is optimistic. And with less than 70 days remaining until the start of the fourth training camp in team history, the veteran pivot has a message to the loyal supporters that follow the club.

"To all the fans of the Ottawa Renegades, it's beginning to be that time of year again where football is in the air. Come out and support us. We think it's going to be a great year and I like what we have going on this season in Ottawa," said the 31-year-old signal caller, who will enter year 2 as the team's starting signal caller. "We thank you for your support and know it's going to be better this time around."

On a conference call with the media on Wednesday afternoon, the popular McNeese State product spent nearly half-an-hour speaking with the press about his thoughts, feelings, predictions and state of the franchise from his perspective. One that comes after being in the CFL since 2003; from being a champion in NFL Europe with the Rhein Fire; and from a solid career in the National Football League prior to arriving in the nation's capital.

"I've been training really hard, and things have been moving great for me and it's been a blessing," said the native of New Iberia, Louisiana. "I've been throwing with some different receivers coming out of (major colleges such as Florida State and Auburn), who were training for the NFL Combine, since January and I'm feeling right. I let my chest rest up, and it feels real good when I'm throwing the football. I'm 100% now. I'm healthy and things are moving well. There are no pains anywhere. The ankle, the foot, everything is feeling good."

While the Renegades have had some shuffling in and out with free agency, Joseph shrugged it off as just business.

"People move on for different opportunities and you expect that," said Joseph, the Renegades' franchise passing leader. "You hate to see people go, but I know the organization has filled the holes well and things are shaping up good. We have a great group of guys and getting the core of guys like (Jason) Armstead and Yo (Murphy) makes it a plus for our offense to work well together for another year."

Joseph, who has been working out in New Orleans during the off-season after being a major part of Ottawa's Grey Cup festivities, is also optimistic with the offensive system the Renegades will employ in 2005.

"I have talked to Coach Paopao on a couple of occasions about football and signing guys," said Joseph. "To be honest, however (Paopao) wants to run things, I am at the point where I say ‘Let's come together and get the job done this way.' If everyone stays healthy, and we're all on the same page, we'll be fine offensively."

And hopes are definitely high for 2005.

"The playoffs is still definitely the goal. It's the goal every year. We've been around for three years and we haven't gotten to the playoffs yet and our goal is to put ourselves in that situation. This year, we have to step in and do what we have to do. It doesn't matter where you start, it's where you finish. It's not about where you're predicted to finish in the pre-season polls. I don't worry about what's on paper. I worry about what it takes to win ball games. Proving people wrong is what I enjoy. It's an ambition for me.

"The goal is to make the playoffs and win a championship. That's what it's all about."

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