Local legend Streveler is excited to be back in Winnipeg after three seasons in the NFL

As Streveler sought to crack the NFL, fans took to social media to look for their adopted son.

“One of the wonderful things about Winnipeg is that if someone comes to Winnipeg and then leaves, the people of Winnipeg support it,” Streveler, 29, said.

“They like to see them go out in Winnipeg and do well, so they cheer you on.”

At an autograph session in March, Bomber's fans lined up to greet him, some even wearing fur coats.

Starting quarterback Zach Collaros laughs when asked about having such a popular backup.

“It's great for me, it's less attention,” he said. “Chris is a great guy. It's not hard to see why people are drawn to it.

“Not just his performance in the playoffs and the Gray Cup and the parade after that with the coattails and stuff, he's a magnetic personality. People love being around him and I think it's great for our team, it's great for our room. He's a great guy to work with and learn from.”

Streveler said his experience in the NFL changed his life “in every way,” professionally, personally and financially.

He was signed by the Arizona Cardinals in 2020 and played in seven regular season games over two years. He also met his current girlfriend.

After stops with the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins, he played two regular season games with the New York Jets in 2022. He also received a lifetime NFL pension and other benefits such as insurance.

A thumb injury on his throwing hand last August led the Jets to waive him on injury waivers.

When nothing happened after a workout for the Chicago Bears in early January, he turned his attention back to the CFL.

Winnipeg was his choice.

“Being around the best players in the world and getting experience with them and learning the game through their eyes changes how you approach the game as a quarterback,” Streveler said.

“Besides, in five years I have matured a lot, learned to have deep conversations with people about football, actively contributed to the fourth room. Not that I haven't before, but when you play the game for over five years, you develop and you learn.”

He's thankful for his NFL memories.

“The plane in Arizona was amazing,” Streveler said. “It was two stories. The coaches sat upstairs. We had a full meal menu, seats along the aisle, and in first class everyone seemed to have their own little section.

“So I thought, 'OK, that's pretty cool.'

Some of the facilities were advanced and used technology. Sessions are recorded, and backups like himself can then go out on the field, put on virtual reality goggles, and go through readings.

“But I don't mind being here,” he said after training at the Princess Autostadium. “These facilities have everything we need to be successful and everything depends on it.

“You don't have to be the flashiest, the prettiest, the cutest. As long as all these players have what it takes to be successful, we're going to do it, that's what you need.”

He wants to assure fans that he's focused on the here and now and won't be returning to the NFL.

“Honestly, I couldn't be happier to be here,” Streveler said.

“There's no feeling in me that I want to be there, that I want to go back. I'm going to be here 100 percent and try to win games with this football team.

“I couldn't be happier to be in the locker room with these guys. There are very good people here.”

This Canadian Press report was first published on May 16, 2024.

Judy Owen, Canadian Press