Josh Bean has plenty to be thankful for.
The non-import linebacker joined the Edmonton Eskimos over the Thanksgiving weekend, resuming a CFL career that almost didn't get off the ground.
Drafted in the second round (16th overall) by the B.C. Lions in 2007, Bean is in his rookie CFL season this year after sitting out 2008 with an injury sustained in the preseason.
"Halfway through camp I tore my Achilles tendon, so I was done for the year. I went back to camp with them this year and finished off the preseason and then was released. I've just been working and waiting," said Bean, who attended his first practice with Eskimos yesterday.
"I got the call and now that I'm back in the game, I can't wait."
Going through injury is almost expected in football, but the timing was tough to take.
"It was pretty rough because I had put a lot of thought into (what to do) after the Fiesta Bowl in '07. It was kind of like the ceiling for the team that I was on," said Bean.
"The way the system works, you can't really get to a national championship game playing at Boise State, so there really wasn't much more to achieve."
TOUGH CHOICE
Still, it was a tough choice to play out his senior season with Boise State after getting drafted.
"When I got hurt, it all seemed like it was a big mistake at the time, but it all works out. I recovered, I'm back 100%, so no regrets."
Bean is reunited with a pair of former Boise State Broncos, quarterback Jared Zabransky and running back Calvin McCarty.
"Calvin was my roommate in college, so we're pretty close," Bean said. "Same with Zee; we know each other well.
"It's nice to come to a team where yesterday I walked into a locker-room full of guys that I don't know, but right around the corner there's Calvin. That makes things pretty smooth, and Zee was right there, too."
'SOLID PLAYER'
"Josh was always a solid player for us. His work ethic was great," Zabransky said.
"He was a big-time special-teams guy for us when I was there. I've got a lot of respect for him; you know what you're going to get with him, and that's what we need."
All three played in the 43-42 overtime win over Oklahoma State in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, but they're more interested in looking ahead than behind.
"We don't really talk about that game personally because it's been talked about so much," Bean said.
"We were just kind of bringing back old times, old funnies that happened back in the day."
Of course, growing up in Calgary as a season-ticket holder for the Stampeders is a little bit of a sticking point now that he's an Eskimo.
"I know how strong the rivalry is between these two teams, but I'm glad to be a part of it," said Bean.
"It's been a dream of mine to play football in Alberta, so the closer I get to home the better.
"I'm here, all my family can watch any game we're in now. They're only three hours away. It's great."
GERRY.MODDEJONGE@SUNMEDIA.CA
