They say the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

But for defensive back Tre Roberson, it certainly is in Calgary.

“Oh it’s way greener,” he chuckled.

“I just knew it was time to come back. The last two years with the COVID and everything that happened, I was just ready to come back home, ready to come back to what I know and what feels good. I just feel like everything is meant to be and happens for a reason.”

The grass ain’t always greener on the other side. I miss it

— Tre Roberson Sr (@tre5_roberson) October 18, 2021

“I want to play football. I want to play,” he added. “That was one of the reasons why I was ready to come back and it was a no brainer that Calgary was the choice.

Roberson spent the last two seasons in his hometown of Chicago working to earn a roster spot with the Chicago Bears.

Unfortunately for the 6-foot cornerback, he suffered a foot injury that held him out of football for the entirety of the 2020 season. He attended training camp again this year but was waived at the end of camp.

Without a team to play on, Roberson finally decided it was time to scratch that football itch.

“When you’re just sitting here and you know that you’re supposed to be on a team but it’s just some certain circumstances you can’t control, that’s frustrating,” he admitted.

“I wanted to play football and it was time. I didn’t want to wait around anymore, so I’m so excited to be here. I know some guys might say it just to say it, but I mean it. I am legit excited to be here.”

The dynamic DB – an All-Star in 2019 – returns to what is already a loaded secondary for the Stampeders.

And he knows full-well he’s joining a talented group as he’s kept tabs on how they’ve been playing.

“They’re a young group and they’re growing. You can see that in the last couple of weeks,” explained Roberson. “They’re playing with a lot of intensity, they’re flying around and they’re getting the details right. Where I can help is with my knowledge of the game. With my ability to read route concepts and also being able to make plays on the ball.

“I’m just excited to be here. Those guys are flying around and it is exciting to see. I’m not going to be a drop-off, I’m trying to enhance it. Let’s take off and go win this Grey Cup.”

Being two seasons removed from playing CFL football, Roberson doesn’t expect to jump right into the line-up and operate at full capacity – even though his knowledge of the defensive schemes remains intact.

“It’s not going to be smooth sailing at all,” Roberson acknowledged. “Everything takes reps, everything takes practice. The last time I played was training camp and I took a whole year off of football before that because of the foot injury. It’s going to take some time, nobody can just step on the field and be at their best right away. I’m ready to work, learn from those guys and work my tail off. That’s all that I can do and let things happen as they happen.

“It’s pretty much going to be the same defence, I talked to Monson already, so it’s pretty much the same calls. I know what to do.”

Roberson – and his coaches – will need to use that time in practice to find where he fits best. Will he line-up in his familiar spot from 2019? Or will he man a new position this season?

Whatever path lies ahead for him, he’s ready to compete.

“I’ll play wherever they tell me to play. I can play anywhere, I could play quarterback, too,” the former Indiana University quarterback laughed. “ Tell Bo (Levi Mitchell), we’re going to be competing.”