Albert Reese has learned a very painful life lesson.
The former Edmonton Eskimo didn't have insurance on his apartment or its belongings when they were destroyed in a fire last weekend in Alabama.
"I am regretting it a whole lot," said Reese on the lack of insurance.
"I lost a lot - a lot of things that can't be replaced, such as my old football pictures, jerseys, my Edmonton Eskimos helmet.
"I lost it all in a matter of a couple of minutes.
"A whole life of mementos is gone."
Reese estimates he lost $10,000 worth of possessions in the blaze, but the number could be much higher.
At least he saved his 2003 Eskimos' Grey Cup ring before he jumped out of his second-floor window to safety.
It would cost an estimated $13,000 to replace it.
"That ring is the most important thing to me besides my family," said Reese on the only thing he saved from the fire.
