They say first impressions are important. If that’s the case, Richie Leone passed his Lions test with flying colours. How else could you explain the pressure-filled situation he faced on July 10th, 2015?
To refresh your memory: they were trailing Saskatchewan 32-29 in the dying seconds, and in danger of falling to 0-2, when Leone was faced with a 56-yard field goal attempt.
As if replacing legend Paul McCallum as the Lions placekicker didn’t provide enough pressure….
Leone made the kick, beating McCallum by three yards for the longest in franchise history, and the Lions went on to win in overtime. Looking back on it now, you can probably say Leone established himself as a fan favourite right then and there.
On his way to Arizona to sign a three-year contract with the NFL’s Cardinals last week, Leone reflected on that crazy home opener in 2015.
“It’s definitely the most fond football memory I will ever have,” Leone recalls. “ The game winner in Toronto this year (August 31) was pretty special as well, but that was wild. I wish I can go back to that moment and celebrate with my teammates. Rolly Lumbala and I had a pretty good chest bump. It was something I’ll never forget.”
Although he only played here for two seasons, Leone is leaving behind a lasting legacy: whether it was his booming leg, million dollar smile or award-winning comedy on BC Lions Cribs segments, the 24-year old had a connection with both the community and the fan base that he says he will miss greatly.
“I’m going to miss them a lot,” Leone says of the club’s orange-clad supporters. “It’s so neat how every practice we have more than a few loyal fans who come watch. Even on Cribs, Mike Benson and I got a lot of recognition and once it came out that I was leaving I had fans tweeting me saying they were going to miss it. I also can’t say enough about missing my housemate Jonathon Jennings. I made a lot of friends up there that I will be friends with for life.”
Leone’s placekicking may have been inconsistent in 2016, but it was his average of 49.8 yards per punt that had multiple NFL teams calling. He had also received interest from the likes of Green Bay, Philadelphia and was on his way to a workout in Kansas City before agent Gil Scott informed him of the Cardinals’ persistence to get a deal done.
In the end, Leone could not pass up the chance to kick in the familiar surroundings of a retractable roof and controlled environment that University of Phoenix Stadium has to offer.
“That’s a great attraction for any player,” Leone says. “ I know a lot of guys in the CFL who were envious about me having a great stadium to punt in and I am sure there are guys in the northeast who look at Arizona and think we’re spoiled. It’s a definitely a plus and hopefully having success punting in a dome the last two years translates down here.”
After playing in the NFC Championship Game one year ago, the Cardinals fell to 7-8-1 in 2016 but still have plenty of good pieces on their roster including quarterback Carson Palmer, ageless receiver Larry Fitzgerald and lockdown cornerback Tyron Mathieu. Along with talented players on both sides of the ball, Bruce Arians is considered one of the best head coaches in all of football, something Leone says was also a factor in his decision to sign there.
“I have not met him yet, but I look forward to shaking his hand,” Leone says. “I am going to look him in the eye and tell him I am going to work hard to be the guy next year. It is cool that he is so well liked. He is a players coach from what I understand. Those are the only types of coaches I have ever had, so I am excited about that.”
On the top of that list is Wally Buono, someone Leone credits for sticking with him and not giving up when times were tough on the field last season. The chance to play under the CFL all-time wins leader is something the kicker will forever cherish.
“Just having him come back as head coach was very special to me. I sent him a text saying how grateful I am for the ups and downs. At the end of the day, you learn from the downs and that really helped mould me into who I am. I really enjoyed waking up every morning knowing Wally was addressing the team at 9am. There was so much wisdom and encouragement he provided during those meetings that I will miss.”
One thing the Lions and their fans will miss is Stadium Cribs. Leone knows he is welcome to come back as a guest anytime, but how will Benson fair without his regular co-pilot? The kicker has nothing but confidence.
“I think Mike will be successful, but I am not sure they will find another good lead anchor. Mike was a co-host as we all know,” Leone says with a laugh. “We have some other funny guys on the team, but there is not another combo like the two of us.”
One thing is certain: an episode at the Cardinals’ spiffy stadium would be one for the ages.
Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com