Bombers lock up Medlock for two more years, just for kicks By: Mike Sawatzky Posted: 7:00 PM CST Monday, Jan. 7, 2019

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This article was published 06/01/2019 (2138 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Justin Medlock was the oldest kicker working in the CFL last season but there was nothing about his 2018 output that hinted he is past his prime.

A field goal success rate at just a fraction under 90 per cent and a punting average that was the highest of his eight-year CFL career was ample evidence for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, who announced Monday they had agreed to a two-year contract extension with the 35-year-old American.

Could Medlock, who takes great pride in his preparation and conditioning, project his football career extending into his 40s?

“Oh, man, that’s a long time — 40 — wow,” Medlock said Monday afternoon in a conference call with reporters from his off-season home in Jupiter, Fla.

“I already feel a little old at 35, so I dunno. I can’t even think about that right now. Just year by year, moment by moment, kick by kick. I just think you can’t get ahead of yourself.”

A year ago, Medlock wondered aloud if he had lost his enthusiasm for the game and expressed uncertainty about returning for the 2018 season. But he eventually recommitted to the Bombers, signing a one-year extension and went on to perform at an all-star level.

“One of the goals I really wanted to achieve was to have a really stable year, so I thought I had that in 2018 and hopefully I’ll carry on in 2019,” he said.

Medlock had no such doubts following the 2018 season and was eager to re-up with the Blue Bombers.

“We’ve got a good locker room for our team and coach (Mike) O’Shea… he’s a great coach to play for, just for myself,” said Medlock. “Great fan base, passionate fans. Just being around good guys, you know. Locker rooms around other teams are always great but there’s something special with our team. Hopefully we can put together a good season and get a Grey Cup.”

With Medlock under contract, the Blue Bombers have now signed six 2018 regulars who were due to become free agents next month. That group also includes offensive tackle Jermarcus Hardrick, fullback John Rush, linebacker Jesse Briggs, fullback Mike Miller and running back Johnny Augustine.

Medlock said he wasn’t deterred by the uncertainty over the state of the negotiations on the league’s collective bargaining agreement with its players. And he didn’t have a burning desire to ply his trade in the NFL again.

“I wasn’t really thinking about it — I wanted to play in the CFL,” said Medlock. “I mean, if I didn’t re-sign with Winnipeg I would’ve given it a shot but I wouldn’t have probably gone too long (on) the route. I feel like as an NFL kicker, you need to be all-in there, too, just waiting for your opportunity, whether it be any given Monday they can give you a call and you’re there on a flight for a tryout.”

In Jupiter, Medlock is part of a group of pro kickers who fine-tune their skills in joint practices. One of those workout buddies is Chicago kicker Cody Parkey, whose blocked 43-yard field-goal attempt with 10 seconds left on the clock Sunday sealed the Bears’ 16-15 playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9j6_WL8De4I 

After it was tipped at the line, Parkey’s kick hit the upright and the crossbar before falling harmlessly to the turf.

“He’s a hard worker, he’s got a good head on his shoulders,” said Medlock, who sent Parkey encouraging text messages after the game. “Unfortunately it didn’t go as planned but he’ll bounce back.”

In addition to Parkey, Medlock is joined in the off-season by the likes of Cleveland Browns kicker Greg Joseph, kicker Matt Bosher of the Atlanta Falcons and Bears punter Pat O’Donnell.

Medlock is only too happy to mentor his younger colleagues.

“(Parkey) used to live in the community I lived in, so we have a park that’s right around the corner and we always kick there and have a group of guys that always come out,” he said. 

“I train some of the younger guys that are up and coming. Yeah, he comes out and we kick together… I’m older, too, and I’ve kinda been through a lot of the situations that (happen) in the NFL and CFL — bad years, good years.”

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @sawa14

Mike Sawatzky
Reporter

Mike has been working on the Free Press sports desk since 2003.

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