Having helped the B.C. Lions complete an almost unthinkable turnaround to become Grey Cup champions, a good night's sleep just wasn't on Angus Reid's priority list.
"I haven't slept yet," chuckled the charismatic 35-year-old from Richmond on Monday afternoon at the team's training facility in Surrey, a day after the Lions 34-23 win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in front of 54,000 fans at B.C. Place Stadium. "I tried to sleep but I was just too fired up.
The adrenaline and some of the alcohol eventually does wear off and you feel (the physical) pain and realize just how much you hurt. Still, the smile never leaves the face."
The veteran offensive lineman will have plenty to smile about over the next six months following one of the most wild rides in the team's 48-year history.
After starting the season with a 1-6 record, that included a lopsided home field loss to the Bombers back in mid-August, the Lions went on an incredible tear, winning 12 of their last 13 games to capture their sixth ever Grey Cup championship. If that isn't enough for Reid to enjoy, how about being named to the Western Division All-Star Team then earning the first All-CFL selection of his 11-year professional career?
These accomplishments came after Reid had been told prior to the 2010 season he would no longer be the team's starting centre and he would only serve in a back-up role. He not only eventually won back his old job but has gone on to play the best football of his life and become one of the faces of the franchise.
That's why many are won-dering why the Simon Fraser University graduate would consider walking away from the game now, despite his birth certificate suggesting it might be time.
Even with teammate Dean Valli yelling on the background "he will be back," Reid said he will be taking his time decide if he will be returning in 2012 or embark on the next stage of his life. Among his numerous offfield activities is hosting a weekly Lions segment on the TEAM 1040.
"Physically, I feel worn out," he said. "Right now I feel like resting and not thinking too far ahead because there is just too much to enjoy right now. This is the time for healing, enjoying Christmas then talking to the boss (general manager/head coach Wally Buono) to find out what the team's needs are."
While many of his teammates celebrated the cup win with a night on the town, Reid enjoyed the victory at the team's hotel with a number of others.
"Some guys went out and had a lot of fun," he said.
"We had our reception at the hotel. We had a ballroom with food, drinks, music and a lot of photo opportunities. I pretty much stayed there until late then got up to the room where I watched (the game's) highlights again and again. I tried to fall asleep then it was morning."
This is Reid's second Grey Cup championship with the Lions.
B.C. also won in 2006, the first in the Wally Buono era. That was part of a run that saw the Lions finish first in the Western Division for four consecutive seasons.
"In 2006 we were still waiting to win our first cup after we got to the cup in 2004. The expectations were high for over two years and there was a build up of when is this great team going to win.
This year we came out 0-5 and a lot of people were writing us off. We had to crawl our way back. It was completely different season, feeling and group (of players) this time.
"That's the genius of this team. Every team is talented but the mental toughness of this team not to implode or give up, not point fingers is a true testament how good of team this group is."
What also separates the two championships was the Lions winning the 2006 Grey Cup in Winnipeg against the Montreal Alouettes. This time it was done in front of their hometown fans. The last CFL team to win the cup in their own stadium was also B.C. back in 1994.
"Playing the Grey Cup at home, I couldn't have asked for anything better," added Reid. "It's the best experience anyone in this league could every had. Winning the 2006 Grey Cup is one thing, winning it in your own city 11 years into a career is something else. I couldn't ask for anything more."
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