Defensive leader Mike Rose joins Calgary Stampeders’ group of captains

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Mike Rose’s ‘dad duties’ are making him a more responsible dude these days.

So much so that the veteran all-star defender of the Calgary Stampeders was officially named a leader of the CFL team Wednesday.

You can call him ‘Captain’ now.

“I definitely don’t like being called ‘Unc’ and ‘Pops’ by people who are only five and six years younger than me,” said Rose, of his Red and White teammates giving him unwanted nicknames.

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“But … hey … it is what it is,” continued Rose, with a smile. “I’ll say that my kids — these ones on the field and the ones off the field — have done great things in my life and terrible things at the same time.”

It’s his job now to help get more greatness of those ones on the field after he was voted a captain by teammates ahead of Friday’s first game of the 2024 CFL regular season — a host of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at McMahon Stadium (7 p.m., TSN, QR Calgary).

Rose becomes a first-time Stampeders captain, joining three teammates — quarterback Jake Maier, receiver Reggie Begelton and kicker René Paredes — who have all held the gig before.

“It just makes me feel old,” said the 31-year-old Rose, tongue in cheek, of earning the captaincy. “And I don’t like feeling old … you know what I’m sayin’?

“I like to be young and spry.”

This year’s captains have a combined 27 years of experience with the Stamps, including 12 for Paredes, who is serving as the club’s special-teams captain for the 10th time in his career.

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Begelton, who is entering his seventh season with the Red and White, and Maier, who is now in his fourth year, are co-captains on offence, while Rose, who is a seventh-year veteran, is the Stamps’ defensive captain.

“I would definitely say so,” said Rose, when asked if he’s a lead-by-example captain. “We have a lot more talkative guys, which is good and — I would say — a little wild at the same time.

“But I would say this year, there are plenty of guys that are going to step up and guys that have been in the CFL that are stepping up more — like James (Vaughters), (Demerio) Houston, (Julian) Howsare …”

The more the merrier with the Stamps trying to rebound from last year’s 6-13 campaign.

In fact, that’s the main message being sent to teammates by Rose and the leadership group …

Let’s not have a repeat of 2024.

“Last year, we got our (butts) kicked,” Rose said. “This year, it’s time to kick (butt). The simple message is, ‘Let’s not be the punching bag, let’s do the punching.’”

“Honestly, it’s just gaining that trust between the players and the coaches — and that’s our motto this year,” agreed fellow captain Begelton. “It’s believing in the gameplan, believing in the person next to you and believing that they’re going to do their job just like you’re going to do yours. Ultimately in the end, when 12 people are doing their job, it’s usually a recipe for success.”

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Each of the captains brings their own set of leadership skills to the table, which can help the team in creating a successful season.

“Mike’s just got to be himself,” said Stamps GM/head coach Dave Dickenson, of his leading sacker last season. “He’s got a playful personality, which is fair. But the players know he’s good and he’s putting the time and effort in. Since he’s a dad now, he’s locked in and firmly grounded. I really feel like it’s changed him for the better. Does he love (being a captain)? Maybe not. But he’s certainly embraced it.

“He’s our player rep, as well, so he’s got a lot on his plate.”

“Since he’s our players’ rep, Mike’s doing things a little unorthodox,” Begelton said. “He’s actually kind of forcing people into roles that are very comfortable, so he’s basically telling people, ‘You’re going to speak here, you’re going to speak there, you’re going to speak at this time.’ So it’s to the team, and it’s a very uncomfortable thing.

“But it’s openness — it gets everybody out of their comfort zone. We don’t have those natural-voice guys that just want to go, ‘Hoo-rah!’ So it’s good that we’re doing it that way.”

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And Begelton himself?

“Just consistency and — honestly — openness,” said Begelton of his role. “I want the new guys and anybody on the team to understand that I’m the kind of guy that you can come to me with anything. If you’ve got any questions or you need help with anything, come to me, because I was a rookie at one time. I want that open communication and trust from everybody.”

Whatever it takes, ultimately.

“I want to win — Mike wants to win,” Begelton said. “So let’s come together.”

“These guys have got to lead us, so we believe the players recognized some great leadership on our team,” added Dickenson. “Once they select them, the captains have to decide what’s going on … Are the practices too long? How long are we having our pads on? Can we change this meeting or change the bye-week schedule?

“To me, they have a lot of say. And as long as everyone’s accountable and we’re doing it for the right reasons, I listen to them.”

SHORT YARDAGE

A couple of receivers in Clark Barnes (knee) and Tyson Middlemost (ankle) are now available for Friday’s game after injuries limited them in Stampeders training camp … Those still sidelined by injury are DB Daniel Amoako (knee), WR Rysen John (hamstring), OL Kyle Saxelid (knee), DL Darius Williams (calf) and Jason Janvier-Messier (Achilles) … Tickets are on sale for all Stamps games at www.stampeders.com.

tsaelhof@postmedia.com

X: @ToddSaelhofPM

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