Henry Burris, on joining Ottawa Redblacks: ‘There’s no better way to close this thing out’

An enduring friendship and the desire to finish his CFL career closer to the northeast U.S. led to Henry Burris picking Ottawa over Winnipeg. The fact the first-year Redblacks, for whom "expansion team" is a dirty word, were willing to commit to a three-year contract for a quarterback who will soon turn 39 years old likely played into it as well.

In what will inevitably be taken as a telling moment about the state of both franchises, Burris has opted to sign with a first-year team rather than join the beleaguered Blue Bombers who finished a league-worst 3-15 in 2013. The veteran pivot who steered the young Hamilton Tiger-Cats' cubs to a Grey Cup berth last November ("we had the youngest team in the league on both sides of the ball, I was changing Pampers day in and day out," he quipped) is starting all over again.

"Players across the league are talking about all the serious intentions of the Ottawa franchise," said Burris, who threw for a CFL-high 4,925 yards last season on a league-high 567 attempts. "Mr. [Jeff] Hunt and the [Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group] ownership group and all the qualities that group brings to the table. You want to talk instant accreditation it doesn't get better than that.

"This move reminds me of when I went to Calgary with new local owners, John Forzani, took over. Look how successful that organization’s been. It’s no longer a dog-and-pony show out there. The same thing will happen here. You have a group who have come together to make the best entertainment product for the fans in Ottawa, who truly deserve it.

"I know for me this will be my last contract," Burris added. "The way we wanted to do it was our way. To do it with the Redblacks was definitely the way to go. There’s no better way to close this thing out."

Burris, who came on the market after being released by the Ticats last week, is signed to a three-year deal through 2016. Terms were not disclosed. Winnipeg's CJOB 680 reported that Ottawa topped Winnipeg's offer.

Burris, who was effusive in his praise for new Bombers GM Kyle Walters, said his options boiled down to either Winnipeg or Ottawa.

"A lot of speculation was bang on with Winnipeg being in the picture, It was hard to ignore the passion and excitement that the fans from Winnipeg were showing. The way their fans took to Twitter and were reaching out and trying to impact on the decision — it was definitely heartfelt.

"At the end of the day, seeing what Marcel and the group has put together along with Rick and the coaching staff, I had to be a part of this. We’re going to be able to create a legacy, being part of the Ottawa Redblacks."

The move also comes ahead of the start of the CFL's free-agency period. Ottawa, with Burris, Kevin Glenn and Thomas Demarco, likely has more salary cap space allocated to quarterbacks than the typical team. Redblacks GM Marcel Desjardins stated the club still has ample flexibility since it's not overrun with long-time veterans. It's believed Ottawa will be very active in free agency as it vies to be competitive in Year 1.

"Not only does it show our intentions, but if you’re a [free agent] receiver out there, you have an idea of who’s going to be throwing you the ball," Desjardins said of Burris' addition. "Across the board, it speaks to the level of our commitment to making this work from the get-go."

"Nothing’s next, he’s on our roster," Desjardins added in regard to Glenn, who will be 35 come opening day. "We’ll move forward as though we’re going to camp with Kevin Glenn and Thomas DeMarco and Henry.

For Burris, playing in Ottawa means he, his spouse Nicole and their two school-age sons are closer to extended family in Springfield, Massachusetts. Another personal factor included glowing reviews of the city from his contemporary on the all-time passing yardage list, Damon Allen, along with his college offensive coordinator, Steve Goldman. Goldman, whom Burris worked with at Temple University, coached the original Ottawa Rough Riders during the early 1990s.

"He's one of my best friends and we talk every week, every two weeks," Burris said. "While he was coaching me at Temple, he always told me about the great qualities of this city of Ottawa, how much fun he had here despite their challenges off the field. He always talked about the great prospects for the CFL in this city and said if I ever had a chance to play in this beautiful city, I should take it.

"One of the great things about the city of Ottawa is they don’t forget the past," the quarterback added. "The fans here love the game of football, but now with the local ownership's that intact, I can only imagine the passion for this city toward this team.

"I felt the buzz as soon I arrived, meeting people at the airport."

Neate Sager is a writer for Yahoo! Canada Sports. Follow him on Twitter @neatebuzzthenet.