CHICK VALUABLE ON AND OFF THE FIELD

Off the gridiron, the Saskatchewan Roughriders' John Chick is an ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
Photograph by: Bryan Schlosser, Leader-Post file

REGINA — John Chick is making an impact on and off the field with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

On the field, the third-year defensive end is enjoying a monster season. Heading into Week 11, Chick leads the CFL with eight sacks and has matched his total for the previous two CFL seasons combined. Away from the field, Chick is an ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

It’s a natural cause for Chick, who is a Type 1 diabetic and uses an insulin pump to help manage the disease. Diabetes is a disease in which the body doesn’t properly produce or use insulin.
“I’m an advocate for anyone who is dealing with diabetes and is looking at an insulin pump and ways of taking better care of their health,’’ Chick said Friday after the Riders completed their final on-field preparations for Sunday’s game (2 p.m.) at Mosaic Stadium against the Edmonton Eskimos. “I’m willing to take any opportunity when it comes to speaking on their behalf.’’

One of those chances took place after Sunday’s 55-10 victory over the host Winnipeg Blue Bombers. While the rest of the Roughriders were showering, Chick was in the stands at Canad Inns Stadium talking to approximately 25 people about diabetes, the insulin pump and how he juggles being a professional athlete and a diabetic.

“There are diabetics all over the world, not just in Regina,’’ said Chick. “I will talk to them any time I can.’’

Chick, 26, has been one of the highest-profile spokesmen for diabetes in the province since joining the Riders as a rookie in 2007. He manages the disease with an insulin pump, which helps to control his sugar levels. Chick delivers a message to children that they can do other things and perform at a high level while dealing with diabetes.

“It’s big help being a Roughrider but it’s also a motivation for kids who have Type 1 diabetes,’’ said Chick, who was diagnosed with the disease when he was 14 but still earned a football scholarship to Utah State. “They know that their lives aren’t limited by diabetes and that they can pursue their dreams.’’

Chick has travelled extensively through Saskatchewan delivering presentations about that message. He’s the honorary ambassador for the fundraising Walk to Cure Diabetes and has made presentations to the corporate sector and service clubs.

Randy Durovick, a fundraising co-ordinator with the JDRF, said Chick approached the foundation about being a spokesman. Chick has embraced that role and Durovick appreciates his efforts.

“John feels very much for the young people who have Type 1 diabetes because of what he went through,’’ said Durovick. “He just wants to contribute any way that he can to improve their quality of life. He wants to give them an opportunity enjoy life to the fullest.’’

Chick, 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, is soft-spoken and humble. He is reluctant to discuss his on-field accomplishments and prefers to concentrate on his contributions to the team’s overall success.

Chick is enjoying a stellar season with 12 defensive tackles and is tied for the league lead with three forced fumbles over eight games.

“John is a strong, fast and intense player,’’ said Riders head coach Ken Miller. “He plays hard and he’s someone the rest of the players can rally around and use as a role model.’’
Chick says one of the reasons for his strong season is he’s on the field more. In 2007, he dressed for 13 games and recorded five sacks. Last year, Chick was limited to eight games because of a number of injuries.

“It’s a big factor, staying healthy,’’ said Chick, who missed two games this season with a separated left shoulder. “We also have a good rotation across the defensive line that keeps us a little fresher. I’m also in a little better shape, which has really helped.’’

Luc Mullinder and Stevie Baggs are part of the three-player rotation at defensive end. Working so closely, Mullinder knows first-hand that Chick’s dominance on-field doesn’t transfer to everything.

“He’s the worst poker player I’ve ever seen,’’ Mullinder said with a chuckle. “He has the fewest wins over the last two years than anyone else. John just isn’t a gamer.

“On the other hand, he’s a really humble individual and does a lot of good with what he does. He doesn’t have to do that but it’s good that the kids have someone to look up to who is as successful as he is. A lot of people think having what he has is a dead end. He shows that you can do anything that you want if you work hard and put your mind to it.’’

mmccormick@leaderpost.canwest.com