Robert McCune has a chance for revenge against Calgary, but doesn’t hold a grudge

TORONTO—Many football players hold grudges for a long time, as seen by events like last year's Angelo Mosca-Joe Kapp fight. Robert McCune doesn't, though. The Argonauts' starting middle linebacker played with the Calgary Stampeders from 2010 until he was cut this June, signing with Toronto five days later. Thus, you'd think he might see Sunday's Grey Cup clash (live chat here) against Calgary as a chance for revenge. You'd be wrong.

"I have nothing against Calgary," McCune said Saturday. "They did what they had to do. They had to make a business move. They told me it was a tough decision, nothing against me. I thank them for the opportunity they gave me to just get myself known in this league."

He's thrilled about playing in Toronto, though.

"It's very different," McCune said. "The city itself is much bigger. We play indoors, and the weather's different out here, it's not as cold as it was in Calgary. There's more to do here. I think it's the way things were meant to be and supposed to be."

Despite the year starting poorly for McCune, it's gone very well since. Unwanted by the Stampeders, he's established himself at the heart of the Toronto defence, recording a team-high 86 tackles during the regular season and adding an interception. However, he and the other members of the Argonauts' defence have a tough opponent Sunday, and they'll particularly have to pay attention to Calgary running back Jon Cornish, who led the CFL with 1,457 rushing yards this season. McCune said stopping Cornish won't be easy.

"The only thing we can do is tackle him," McCune said. "He's a good running back."

McCune played in the NFL from 2005 to 2009 with the Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns, and he said he didn't know much about the CFL during that time. When he decided to come north in 2010, though, he fell in love with the league. He said playing in the CFL's been a tremendous opportunity for him, and he's really excited about all the buzz building in Toronto around this Grey Cup.

"It's really nice," he said. "You know, when I came to this league I really didn't think it was as big as it is, with me playing in the NFL. I think it's a great league. I would tell anyone who didn't get their shot in the NFL 'Come play some real football. Come to the CFL.'"

McCune said a hometown Grey Cup appearance is special, but with this being the 100th Grey Cup, it's even more exciting.

"Winning this Grey Cup would be a once-in-a-lifetime thing."