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TOPIC: Dennis Sarafa |
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| Joey J
October 15, 2009
11:34:29 AM
Entry #: 3305391
| Dennis Sarafa went under the knife this past Monday to fix a severely damaged back, thus ending a brilliant 20 + year CFL career. His dominant years of the mid 90’s were before most of the current players can remember, but ask anyone who played against him and they will tell you that he was one the toughest, smartest, must clutch players ever. One of the most amazing things about his game was his ability to adapt to the game and his abilities while still contributing to his teams in major ways. This trait is common among his generation of CFL stars including guys like Anthony Toma, JR Kizy, Karl Dalou, Saber Ammori, Roy Sitto, Pete Rabban, and Bobby Semaan among others. Just when you think these guys have done all they can do, they come out and make plays every year. But the most defining thing about that generation is their passion and love for the CFL which leads them to do crazy things to take that field every Sunday morning, all without a single complaint or excuse. Dennis, for example, has been battling back problems for years, as well as a kidney ailment that very well should have kept him out of the CFL before his career even started. But against practicality and doctors orders, he took the field week in and week out. And he’s not the only one. I’ve seen each and every one of those guys mentioned above play through injuries that would keep a normal person on the sideline. Again, most of us don’t realize what they go through and that’s because they don’t talk about it. They simply go play as hard as they can and without making excuses.
It’s obvious to everyone that Dennis had a massive positive impact on me and my game. I consider him as instrumental to my championships as anyone. I was lucky to play with some phenomenal players in my years, but it was no secret who I looked to when the game was on the line. It was no accident that he was always in position to make huge plays, whether it was at center, WR, or LB. He was the ultimate teammate in that he would do whatever was necessary for the team to win, and he’d share his knowledge and suggestions in a way that wasn’t overbearing or detrimental. It was all about winning with him. If I’m ever fortunate enough to get back on the field, I can honestly say it won’t be the same without him.
Knowing Den, he’d definitely prefer that I not write this about him. But I think it’s important that the league know that we are losing an all time great. I get a little sad when guys like him or Russ or Saber or Boomer retire because the league loses a little bit of its edge and toughness. I see a league today that is much more athletic than ever before, but maybe not as tough. And by tough, I’m not referring to willingness to fight someone. I’m referring to giving your all, week after week,without complaining, no matter what the situation or who the opponent. We can and should all learn from guys like that, cause no matter what we think or hope, they won’t be around forever.
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| Anthony Toma
October 15, 2009
12:09:43 PM
Entry #: 3305449
| I'm going to miss him for sure. Great post Joe, well put. Those old guys were pretty good. CFL is the greatest league anywhere.
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| WESTSIDETONY
October 15, 2009
11:56:40 PM
Entry #: 3306228
| Great post Joey, Dennis was the guy everyone hated to play against, but loved to play with, In only a few games on our team is was easy to see what a difference he made and it was great playing with him
Great points on the toughness of the league, those guys played as hard as they could for as long as they could, and showed us how to play the right way.
I cant wait to beat yellows ass and send dennis out a championship.
I sure love me some bright lights to play under
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| CZ blue
October 16, 2009
9:17:05 AM
Entry #: 3306406
| I wish I had Dennis for a few more games. I can see how he impacted a game by being prepared every weeek. He was always willing to talk gameplan and thats what made him a great player. Good luck hope to see you back next year.
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| Shacktastic
October 16, 2009
11:15:11 AM
Entry #: 3306555
| I have to say I hated to gameplan for defense with Denny on the other team, he was like having another great reciever and always knew were to go so he would be open. That would cause any defense fits. Also I would like wish him the best and to recover as fast and well as he can. I love Denny we grew up together and been friends since we were 5 years old and him and my brother Rob always had to play me and his older brother David so I know he's tough. Denny get better brother.
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