Danny Maciocia wasted no time. A day after announcing Cody Fajardo’s contract extension, the Alouettes’ general manager signed defensive end Shawn Lemon to a one-year contract on Thursday.
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“I think I was the first person to text Shawn Lemon to congratulate him,” Fajardo said.
Lemon arrived during the campaign following his release during British Columbia Lions camp, quickly integrated into the Als and reached the 100 sack milestone in the CFL. In the final, the 35-year-old American distinguished himself with three tackles and a sack.
“Shawn had an immediate impact on our defense and did an excellent job manipulating opposing quarterbacks,” Maciocia said in a news release. He arrived in the middle of the season and immediately got used to the team chemistry. He was a great veteran for our young players.”
Improvised recruiter
Using the example of a particular basketball player, LeBron James, Fajardo wants to convince players to stay in Montreal or convince others to move there.
He also spoke with Darnell Sankey, another key part of the defense, on Wednesday. The quarterback also spoke with wide receiver Austin Mack, Alouette’s MVP, who still dreams of the NFL.
“I want the boys to understand their importance within the team,” explained Fajardo. When we win a Gray Cup, our relationships are stronger. We built something very special in Montreal.”
“It will be Christmas any day when we announce the new signings!”
Cody Fajardo chatted live from his home in Reno, Nevada. He wore an Alouettes jersey but also a Los Angeles Angels cap. Screenshot from the video conference
Diapers and Ohtani
At home in Reno, Nevada, Fajardo quickly came back down to earth after the eighth title in Alouettes history. With changing diapers and preparing lunch, his life as a father took over.
Not only does he stay in touch with his teammates, but he also closely follows the story of coveted free agent baseball player Shohei Ohtani.
“From what I understand, the Angels have a 2% chance of keeping him. That’s what I’m sticking to as a fan!” said Fajardo, who proudly wore a Los Angeles team cap during his video conference.
“If he ever ends up with the Toronto Blue Jays, I’ll see him play a few times because it’s truly incredible what he can do on a baseball diamond.”