It’s obvious that there aren’t many things Las Vegas and Calgary share besides the dry air, Stanley Cup winning goaltender Adin Hill, and the close proximity to breathtakingly beautiful national parks.
The closest Cowtown gets to replicating Sin City is the week of Stampede, which is set for its annual return this Friday.
But for linebacker and Nevada native Darius Williams, YYC feels just as much like a place he can call home.
“I actually enjoy Canada and Calgary a little bit more than Vegas,” said Williams. “In Vegas I live on the outskirts, opposed to what you see on the strip and stuff like that.
“Out here I live downtown in a high rise and the downtown vibes are a lot of fun. It’s beautiful out here. The sun goes down at 10:30 p.m. and it comes up at 4:30 a.m., so that’s new to me. I enjoy it, I love it out here.”
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It’s been a long homecoming for the 27-year-old, who celebrated his birthday last Friday. Williams originally signed with the Stamps on Feb. 13, 2020, and was released the following year on Feb. 8.
After a brief stint with the Sea Lions in The Spring League, Williams re-signed with Calgary on Feb. 4, 2022, and was subsequently released on June 4. He was re-signed with the team again on June 10 and has been a permanent part ever since.
In his second season with the Red and White, Williams is feeling more comfortable in his surroundings.
Last year, he played at the defensive back position but has transitioned to the weak-side linebacker spot for this campaign.
“I’m feeling way more comfortable,” he said. “I feel like the game has slowed down a little bit.
“Obviously, I switched my position so that was a lot at the beginning of the season but now I’m just enjoying the moment and taking advantage of my opportunities.”
The move is a seamless one for Williams, who spent the off-season working with fellow linebacker and Las Vegas resident Cameron Judge.
“I played a little bit of linebacker growing up in Pop Warner,” said Williams. “I played a little bit of SAM linebacker last year, but playing at WILL I’ve learned from one of the best in the game, Cam Judge, so being with him all off-season in Vegas has helped a lot.
“I’ve adapted and I’m starting to make plays, starting to have that smile on my face and that swagger out here. I’m having a lot of fun with it.”
After three weeks, the former CSU-Pueblo ThunderWolf is tied for second in the CFL in special-teams tackles with five. That’s only one behind his 2022 season total of six, which he accumulated over nine games played.
“That’s been one of my main roles out here,” explained Williams. “Special teams is how I pretty much have made the team.
“I put my hard hat on and if I have to do the dirty work, whether it is making the big-time tackle or whether I’m taking a hard fit on a wedge, I’m able to make those plays based off of the other eleven men on the field.”
As the young linebacker looks to build off his early season success, he knows the job won’t be an easy one. The team is tasked with containing the Blue Bombers’ explosive return man Janarion Grant this week, who already has a kickoff return touchdown this season.
“I’m excited to play him,” grinned Williams. “He’s a hell of a player, he’s really good and he makes me elevate my game and my professionalism.
“I’ve been studying a lot this week, hydrating, doing all the little things, so I’m prepared to see him on Friday.”
Following back-to-back road games against Winnipeg 3-1 and Saskatchewan 2-1, the Red and White return home for their Family Day game versus the Ottawa Redblacks on Sunday July 23, at 5 p.m.
Get your tickets here!