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Kadie Smith
Being the unofficial leader of a rookie offensive line that has taken its share of beatings both on the field with injuries and in the media, is no easy task, but veteran guard Dean Valli has stepped into the role quite nicely this season for the BC Lions.
When long-serving Lions Angus Reid and Patrick Kabongo retired in the offseason, Valli knew that the leadership hole their absence left would likely be filled by him.
“I like being a leader.” said Valli. “With those guys gone I knew I would have to step in.”
It’s easy to see why he would be the natural choice, having won Grey Cup titles with the team in 2006 and 2011, he is one of only four players on the team to do so, though he wasn’t able to play in the 2006 title game due to injury. Valli was pivotal to the Lions’ late-season success in 2011, helping the team bounce back from a staggering 65 sacks allowed in 2010 to a league-low 29.
A leader off the field as well, Valli is an active participant in the Lions’ Be More Than a Bystander program, speaking out against violence toward women. He also works with the Lions Pride and Read, Write, & Roar community programs.
The o-lineman with the booming personality is entering his ninth year with BC beginning his career as part of the stellar 2006 draft class for the Lions that included Ricky Foley and Jason Pottinger. Since then Valli has been a constant voice in the locker room and a go-to-guy for the media. He’s a player that will always give you a straight answer.
“Angus was the master of the interview, and I looked up to and learned form him so I’m happy to be the voice for these guys when they need me to and defend them, especially the young guys.”
That may be called upon Saturday as the Lions head into Mosaic, arguably the toughest stadium in the league, 0-2. Despite preseason successes with a comeback win over Edmonton and a stomping of Calgary at home, the Leos have hit a snag in their game but look to turn things around against the reigning Grey Cup champs.
As the longest serving memberof the offensive line, Valli understands what this team needs to do to turn things around against Saskatchewan.
“Our game plan is good. We’re good,” said Valli. “I think the biggest thing heading into Saturday is we just need to relax and play the game we know how to play.”
While there’s been some media focus on Lions QB Kevin Glenn and the offensive line, it’s important to note that injuries, not depth have created a situation that had left the Leos with three rookies on the roster, including newcomer Ryan Cave, who spent just two days with the team before starting at left tackle against Montreal in place of the injured Andre Ramsey, who himself is also in his first active year with the team.
While Cave was an easy target for the media following the loss, Valli was proud of his young teammate.
“I think he handled himself really well,” said Valli assuredly, knowing that not everything you read or see is totally accurate. “He came out and said what he needed to say, and I respect him for that.”
At times, the hardest part of professional football is moving on from a bad game or a bad play. As Valli points out, that was the biggest thing he struggled with as a rookie, admittedly playing with a chip on his shoulder, so he understands the necessity of helping his young guys through that now.
“I haven’t really had to say too much to them other than that,” he said. “We can do this. We played well aganist Calgary. The more you focus on mistakes and stress the more you’ll make them. You have to move forward. It’s a tough thing to do and I had vets to help me with that so I’m happy to take on that role for these guys.”
It will help the leos of course if they can get a win over the Sea of Green. Not only for the overall confidence of the team but to keep pace in the standings. Knowing the challenges ahead Valli has confidence is his young line.
“They have a drive and an athleticism that I never had when I first started,” he said. “It continually impresses me, their maturity and skill. They have confidence in themselves.”
A good leader can recognize that.