Dear Vernon,
I write this to you in the hope that you will accept my apology for the many wrongs I and so many others have done to you across the CFL.
I’m sorry for mocking Chris Jones when he traded a future NFL defensive back away to acquire you as his short-yardage quarterback with the Riders in 2017. Jones never found the right fit under centre during his tenure in Riderville and, in hindsight, the perfect solution was probably you all along. What could have been.
Had the team recognized your potential, Mosaic Stadium would be full of so many great memories and the club wouldn’t be coming off traumatic back-to-back 6-12 seasons. Riderville would’ve been much better with you than it’s been without you.
I’m sorry for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and their stupidity in cutting you loose to make room for Johnny Manziel in 2018. With the connections then-head coach June Jones had down south, he should have known Johnny Football was bound to fail up north. Instead, he rolled with the washed-up college star over the amazing talent that was sitting right under his nose, even making you play receiver for a brief time.
Ticats fans would surely love to have you instead of Bo Levi Mitchell and his angry head coach right now. On behalf of all of Tiger Town, I apologize.
The biggest apology, however, has to come from the organization that mishandled you the most: the Montreal Alouettes.
First it was then-head coach Mike Sherman, the guy who coached Brett-freaking-Favre, who caved into the noise and picked Manziel over you despite the obvious red flags, trading a pile of talented players to acquire the embattled passer. It cost Sherman dearly as he paid for it with his job and some of his dignity as a pro football head coach.
On behalf of the longtime NFL coach, please accept this apology.
An even bigger apology is owed from the CFL general manager currently riding the highest after winning last year’s Grey Cup: Danny Maciocia.
The Montreal native never really had your back with the Alouettes, much less that of head coach Khari Jones. He seemed tickled to run you both out of town the first chance he got, replacing you with a quarterback he plucked off Edmonton’s scrap heap.
Trevor Harris is a solid pro but he’s seven years older than you, Vernon, and with far less athleticism and upside. Had the Alouettes maximized your potential, the team might have won far more than just last year’s title.
It’s been so obvious this entire time. You’re the star everyone wants now and everyone should have wanted — and could’ve had — a long time ago. You’ve proven that coaches and general managers really do have favorites who aren’t always the best and that politics can hold back amazing talent.
Vernon, you are the flashiest star the three-down game has right now. You’re on pace to throw for 6,609 yards this season, putting you well within striking distance of Doug Flutie’s all-time single-season pro football record of 6,619 passing yards. If you play your cards right, you will win M.O.P. and a home Grey Cup later this year. What an accomplishment that would be.
Despite your college accolades, you didn’t have an easy road to CFL stardom. You had to scratch and claw your way through the dirt to get to where you are today. It’s been well-earned and it’s time we all took notice.
Congratulations, V.A.
I’m sorry I ever doubted you.
Sincerely,
Brendan McGuire
