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<\/p>\n\u201cNow that I am able to be back out there with the guys, it\u2019s just that much more energy I\u2019m going to bring.\u201d<\/p>\n
\t<\/p>\n
While it was hard for Johnson to be on the sidelines, he admitted that those are the moments when you learn how to be a leader.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you\u2019re not on the field necessarily going to war with your guys, just being a leader in the classroom and the meeting room \u2013 whatever we do,\u201d said Johnson, who is now entering a third CFL season. \u201cIt\u2019s crazy. My brother brought it to my attention that I\u2019m on the older side of the guys in the room \u2026 it\u2019s the first time in my career where I\u2019m one of the older guys and being a vet in the CFL.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome of the younger guys are leaning on me and I\u2019m teaching them the little things I know, just being in the game a couple of years now. I love it and I\u2019m happy for it. I\u2019m just ready to get going.\u201d<\/p>\n
On the field, the Riders will be happy to have the pass-catcher back in the lineup.<\/p>\n
In 16 games last season, the East Palo Alto, Calif., product caught 86 passes for 1,159 yards and four touchdowns.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe looks smooth,\u201d Riders head coach Corey Mace said. \u201cIt\u2019s good to see him. Certainly, we had a deep receiver room the previous year and I think you\u2019ll find out we have another one. Having Kee in the lineup will always make us better.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Riders will open their season on Saturday against the B.C. Lions. Both Saskatchewan and the Lions were on byes in Week 1 of the CFL season. Kickoff for the game is set for 5 p.m. <\/p>\n
Ahead of the game, the Riders held a padded practice on Wednesday, as the team hasn\u2019t played a game since their final preseason contest on May 23.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe just haven\u2019t put pads on for a long time, it feels like,\u201d Mace said. \u201cLet\u2019s just make sure we are still familiar with what that feels like. You get 12 of those a year, so it will be pretty regular for us.\u201d<\/p>\n
As the season gets underway, Johnson is ready to get back onto the field and get the campaign underway against the very team they beat in the CFL West Final.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are a good football team and we know that,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cIt\u2019s going to be a lot of energy and I know those guys are going to bring it, just like us.\u201d<\/p>\n
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