Totally different crew, totally different metropolis, identical method for Matt Shiltz.
The 31-year-old quarterback signed a one-year deal this month with Calgary. The Stampeders might be Shiltz’s third crew in simply his seventh CFL season following stops with Montreal (2017-19, 2021) and Hamilton (2022-23).
“I believe when you discuss to any professional, no matter the place they’re of their profession, what all of them try for is to discover a place to name house and cool down,” Shiltz mentioned throughout a phone interview. “However on the identical time it’s skilled soccer and you already know what you join while you take that leap, particularly to come back to the CFL.
“I’d like to have that sense of safety however on the identical time you need to carry on displaying up daily till you get that. After which present up much more when that chance does come.”
The six-foot-two, 205-pound Shiltz has predominantly been a backup in Canada however he began seven regular-season video games and a playoff contest whereas with Hamilton. Final season, he appeared in 11 regular-season video games (three begins, successful two) whereas finishing 108-of-161 passes (67.1 per cent) for 1,556 yards with seven touchdowns and 5 interceptions — all profession highs.
Shiltz, of St. Charles, Ailing., additionally rushed 23 instances for 160 yards (7.0-yard common) and a landing. His makes an attempt and yards had been additionally profession highs.
Shiltz began Hamilton’s 27-12 East Division playoff loss to Montreal, finishing 13-of-23 passes for 144 yards and an interception earlier than giving method to veteran Bo Levi Mitchell.
In Calgary, Shiltz is predicted to again up incumbent Jake Maier. However like he did in each Montreal and Hamilton, Shiltz will put together each day as if he’s the Stampeders’ No. 1 quarterback to make sure he’s prepared if alternative knocks.
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“That doesn’t change in any respect and I form of have expertise with that,” Shiltz mentioned. “It’s about getting ready daily such as you’re the starter, waking up with that mentality but in addition figuring out there’s a wonderful line with balancing that within the locker room with the incumbent.
“I’ve all the time confirmed my respect and need to help Jake or whoever is beginning with 100 per cent of what I’ve acquired as a result of that’s who I’m.”
The six-foot, 227-pound Maier led the CFL in completions (363) and cross makes an attempt (578), was third in passing yards (4,244) and was the lone starter to swimsuit up for all 18 regular-season video games in 2023. However the 26-year-old was simply 6-12 as Calgary’s starter.
The Stampeders completed third within the West Division earlier than dropping 41-30 to B.C. within the convention semifinal.
Shiltz, who performed collegiately at Butler, has appeared 78 profession regular-season CFL video games. He has accomplished 338-of-517 passes (65.4 per cent) for 4,357 yards with 19 TDs and 18 interceptions whereas dashing for 625 yards on 101 carries (6.2-yard common) and 4 touchdowns.
“Matt is a extremely revered participant, consummate skilled and a fantastic asset to his crew,” mentioned Kenny Kim of Summit Athletes, Shiltz’s Florida-based agent. “I anticipate Matt to come back and compete on the highest stage this season.
“He’s a terrific individual and somebody who’s all the time a pleasure to work with.”
Shiltz mentioned there have been many the explanation why he signed with Calgary. The franchise has historically been a contender, having reached the CFL playoffs 18 straight seasons — the longest energetic streak.
Head coach/GM Dave Dickenson being a former CFL and NFL quarterback didn’t damage, both.
“I believe (former quarterback being the top coach) is a superb factor,” Shiltz mentioned. “I believe they perceive what comes with the place, on and off the sector.
“They perceive the move of the sport … that typically you want a few drives to get out of a funk and so they’re going to stay with you. I believe they see it, they perceive it.”
Shiltz additionally understands the challenges he’ll face getting acclimated to a brand new crew and new environment. In spite of everything, about the one certainty in professional sports activities — soccer included — is change.
“It’s by no means straightforward going into a brand new locker room and having to make new buddies and show your self each day,” Shiltz mentioned. “However I like studying a brand new offence, a brand new system, new performs and philosophies and seeing how my sport suits into that and the way it can develop.
“I do really feel I generally is a reputable starter on a crew and lead a corporation. I do know that’s not the scenario I’m going into now however as a quarterback you need to have that mentality. You need to assault every day with that enthusiasm and pleasure that you just nonetheless have lots to show.”
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