If all football players young and old dream of the NFL, Mathieu Betts hesitated for a long time in his decision to leave the CFL for the rest of his career.
• Also read: Mathieu Betts signs with the Detroit Lions and gets a second chance in the NFL
At the peak of his game, after a season with the British Columbia Lions, where he set a record for a Canadian player with 18 sacks and was named the league's most outstanding defensive player, the 28-year-old defensive end thought for a long time that his tight guard, before accepting the offer from the Detroit Lions.
Listen to Mathieu Betts' interview with JiC above.
“Leaving the CFL was the most difficult aspect of my decision,” Betts said Wednesday during a virtual meeting with Canadian media. My hesitation in accepting an NFL offer was based on the fear that it wouldn't work out and the possibility that I would miss twelve CFL games if it didn't work out. “I also had some great moments with the Lions and built strong relationships.”
Photo provided by CFL, Kevin Sousa
However, several conversations with his agent Sasha Ghavami convinced him to see his decision from a different perspective. “I imagined the worst-case scenario and Sasha made it clear to me that I had to imagine the best-case scenario where I would make the team,” he explained. The potential gain was greater than the potential failure. The CFL will still be around a year from now and it's worth a try to see where it can take me. This could make a very good story. For a player who has spent his entire career in Quebec, I am proud to be in this situation and I am 100% focused on what is to come.”
Between two offers from the NFL and his options in the CFL, specifically with the Montreal Alouettes, with which he confirmed after an interview with general manager Danny Maciocia, the former star player of Laval University's Rouge et Or made his choice last Wednesday. He shared his decision with those close to him, and the Lions confirmed his hiring 24 hours ago.
Unique situation and patience from the Lions
The Lions were fully aware that Betts was in a unique situation as he was being courted by teams from both divisions. From an established player in the CFL, he should make a name for himself if he decides to play in the NFL.
“The Lions knew I was in a unique situation that complicated things, and they were patient,” he said. Without promising me anything, they never gave up on me. We have spoken regularly since my training in mid-December.”
“When I made my decision on Wednesday, I felt relieved and reassured to pursue the 2019 first-round pick (3rd overall) of the Edmonton Elks. This feeling of peace confirmed that I had made the right decision.”
Level of effort and energy
A few factors were key to Betts' decision to choose Detroit. “During our interviews they told me that my level of performance shone through the screen when they saw my film and that this aspect was non-negotiable when they signed a player. They then looked at the other aspects. My engine is my trademark and the Lions' words on this topic really touched me. It was very well received.”
Despite the Lions' success in reaching the National Conference finals and winning their first division championship since 1993, the 6-foot-2, 220-pound defensive lineman believes his chances of success are greatest in the Auto City.
“My chances of getting into the lineup are best with Detroit,” he said. They want to put me in situations where my strengths lie. We want me to put pressure on the quarterback and, depending on the opponent's formation, also go back into coverage. They have very good players and want to add complementary pieces. When I decided to accept an NFL offer, Detroit was the obvious choice.”
Matthew Betts 2.0
After leaving the Canadian universities in 2019, where he won the JP Metras Trophy three times, when he signed a contract as a priority free agent with the Chicago Bears, Betts says that five years later he finds himself completely different.
“It’s night and day,” he illustrated. I would have liked to be at this level five years ago, but experience is gained. I read faster, I play faster. I make everything better. I've surprised myself a few times and hope to continue to do so. I didn’t set a ceiling for myself.”