When I first stepped onto the field as a professional football player for the Calgary Stampeders in the CFL, the reality hit hard. Sure, I had been prepared for the physical challenges—training camps, early mornings, grueling workouts. But there was a whole new dimension to the game that I wasn’t quite ready for: the personalities.
You see, the CFL is a league full of diverse players, many of whom come from different backgrounds and cultures. Half the team was American, and while we shared a love for the game, everything else felt different. From how we communicated to our tastes in food, music, and even how we approached life—there was an undeniable divide.
I found myself in a locker room full of men from all corners of the continent, each bringing their unique perspective and style to the team. The American players had their own traditions, their own ways of doing things, and at first, I felt like an outsider. The rhythm of life in the CFL was different from what I was used to, but the key to my survival, both professionally and personally, was understanding the importance of adapting.
This wasn’t just about football—it was about learning to work and connect with people who didn’t share my exact upbringing, who didn’t see the world through the same lens. And I had to figure out how to navigate this. The differences were stark at first. The food, the music, the slang, the customs—these were just some of the cultural nuances I had to adjust to.
But I realized that, just like in football, it’s not the differences that matter most—it’s the ability to work together despite them. I was constantly forced to keep an open mind, allowing myself to step out of my comfort zone and try new things. In the beginning, I had to make an effort. I learned to embrace different foods, even if I’d never seen them before, and I started listening to music I didn’t think I liked.
Slowly, I began to understand that the common thread between all of us wasn’t about how we were different, but how we could come together as a team.
In the locker room, I saw that being adaptable was key. Some players were intense, others more laid-back. Some had their own set routines, while others thrived on chaos. But over time, I started to find ways to connect. We all had one thing in common: the game. The shared goal of winning, of pushing ourselves to be better, was the unifying factor that allowed me to put aside the differences and focus on what mattered.
That openness and flexibility helped me not only navigate the complex social dynamics of a diverse team but also thrive. As I continued to build relationships with my teammates, I realized that diversity was a strength.
We were stronger as a unit because of our varied experiences. The different viewpoints and personalities helped us understand one another better and think more creatively about how to approach problems on and off the field.
Key Life Lessons from My CFL Journey:
Embrace the Unfamiliar: When faced with a new environment, it’s easy to resist change. But in reality, growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s trying a new food, listening to different music, or understanding a different perspective, the unfamiliar often holds the key to greater personal and professional growth. By embracing these differences, you broaden your own horizon and become more adaptable.
Flexibility Is Essential: Whether you’re on a football team or working in any other high-pressure environment, being flexible is one of the most important skills you can develop. In my case, I had to adapt to my teammates’ different communication styles and temperaments. The more I learned to adjust to others’ needs and preferences, the more I became an effective and valuable part of the team. Flexibility builds relationships and fosters collaboration.
Look for Common Ground: The differences among teammates in the CFL were undeniable, but so was the one thing we shared: our commitment to the game. In life, you’ll find that no matter how different people may seem, there’s usually common ground to be found. Whether it’s a shared goal, a mutual interest, or a fundamental value, discovering these commonalities is what allows diverse groups to work together toward success.
Patience and Understanding Go a Long Way: Adapting to a new environment takes time. I wasn’t going to understand every teammate or every situation immediately. But with patience and a willingness to listen, I began to understand my teammates better. This level of empathy and understanding allows for stronger bonds, better communication, and a more cohesive group dynamic.
The Power of Diversity: The strength of a team often lies in its diversity. Each individual brings a unique set of skills, ideas, and experiences to the table. In my time in the CFL, I learned that what we lacked in common background, we made up for in strength of character and diversity of thought. By welcoming different perspectives, you unlock creative solutions and new ways of thinking.
Conclusion:
Starting my professional football career in the CFL was a wake-up call for me—not just in terms of the game but in how I approached people. My initial discomfort with the diversity on the team was quickly overshadowed by the incredible value that each teammate brought.
Adaptability, patience, and the willingness to embrace differences became my guiding principles. Through this journey, I learned that diversity isn’t something to fear—it’s something to be celebrated. In every situation, whether in sports or life, being open to change and to those who are different from us leads to growth, innovation, and ultimately, success.
In the end, it’s not about where we come from or what sets us apart; it’s about how we come together. And when we’re willing to see the value in others’ differences, we create something greater than ourselves.
Comments