They say that life is about the journey, and not the destination.
While those who follow football may dispute that notion, given the focus on winning championships above all else, the game creates a variety of different paths for players to walk. Whether one is a former All-Star linebacker, or a fullback that has made a living as a blocking and special teams standout, building a reputation for consistent and quality play will keep a player in the Canadian Football League for a long time.
Testaments to all of the above are Ottawa REDBLACKS fullback Anthony Gosselin, and middle linebacker Jovan Santos-Knox, both of whom will appear in their 100th CFL game when they host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Sunday night. While the occasion is no more or less special for either player, their journeys to this point couldn’t be more different.
Not only celebrating the hundred-game milestone tonight, Gosselin finds himself on an even more exclusive list: that of the players who have hit the mark entirely as a member of the REDBLACKS. Names like Antoine Pruneau, Nigel Romick, and Marco Dubois are ones that he now finds himself enshrined with forever.
For the 33-year-old Otterburn, Quebec native, who has suited up alongside some combination of the aforementioned fan favourites for his entire career, it’s a meaningful moment, particularly due to his bond with Dubois, who reached the milestone last season.
“He’s one of my closest friends,” said Gosselin of Dubois. “He’s been so great for me over the years, and we help each other even though we play the same position. He’s a great friend.”
Drafted in the second round, 18th overall out of Sherbrooke in 2017, Gosselin has made his living in the CFL by doing whatever it takes to help his team win. He was a regular on the gameday roster even through the early years of his career, even helping the REDBLACKS reach the Grey Cup in 2018.
His role, however, is an understated one. As a fullback and one of the pillars of Ottawa’s special teams units, Gosselin’s focus often lies on creating pathways for his teammates to make plays, by doing the proverbial dirty work that sets the table for success.
Where some may shy away from such a role, Gosselin has embraced it, and the relentless hunger to win has seen him fall in love with the process at large, allowing him to build a long career.
“It’s the result [that keeps me doing the work]. It’s all about the team,” he said. “It’s like an o-line position, because if you’re not doing it for the team, you’re just not going to love it anymore.”
Showing no signs of slowing down, Gosselin points to that same desire to win as what keeps him not only playing, but constantly seeking to adapt and improve. A strong relationship with Head Coach Bob Dyce, with whom the veteran fullback has spent his entire career, are only things that have helped to affirm his love for Ottawa, where Gosselin says he wants to spend the rest of his career.
Besides, Gosselin has his biggest fans to think about; them being his two children, who can be seen cheering him on every home game, and will be doing so with a little extra excitement this week.
“They love it, and they love being here around TD Place. It’s really special, and they get it. It’s pretty amazing how they grow so fast.”
For Santos-Knox, the road to CFL longevity was more of the outside track.
After a decorated collegiate career at UMass, the Waterbury, Connecticut product found himself a pro landing spot coming out of college. To that end, he and his father drove nine hours to try out for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he went on to earn a contract ahead of the 2017 season, and a starting job by the end of the campaign.
It’s certainly a long way from where he is now, as a former East All-CFLer, and one of the league’s top linebackers. Something Santos-Knox credits to his ever-present desire to learn from his coaches, and add tools to his toolbox.
“It’s really humbling, because I remember coming here and just wanting to make the team,” said Santos-Knox. “I would see the vets making these milestones and stuff, and I just dreamed to be here one day having my 100th game.”
In another “full circle” moment, the 31-year-old’s milestone match comes against his former team in the Ti-Cats, where he suited up from 2021 through 2022.
Despite fond memories in the Hammer, Santos-Knox now finds himself in the midst of his third season in Ottawa, which he calls the “greatest experience” of his career, both due to the organization and to the city. The feeling has been mutual throughout, with Dyce and Co. leaning on Santos-Knox’s leadership abilities, a duty that the star linebacker takes pride in.
“I think I’m really just big on relationships, actually learning my teammates off the field, and being able to relate to things that don’t include football.”
Like Gosselin, the family component makes the occasion even sweeter for the recently-married Santos-Knox.
“She’ll be here, my family’s coming up, it’s awesome. It’s been a big year in terms of off-field stuff, and now on the field. She’s just as excited as I am, so it’s really cool to be able to share the experience with her.”
Though celebrating milestones is in order, the REDBLACKS’ priority is a key divisional win, and they’ll look to earn it when toe hits leather tonight.