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Arthur's "idée fixe" in sight

Arthur's "idée fixe" in sight

By Cory Sterling

Once the dust had settled on the 2008 NFL Draft, former Vanier Prep star Jabari Arthur from Montreal signed a free agent contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. Fellow Canadian Cory Sterling, a Toronto native and graduate of McGill University, caught up with the former Akron Zips record-setting receiver to contemplate life, football and an opportunity to carve out an NFL career with the Chiefs.

Every person possesses a dream. There is always that one great goal, the one prize your eyes never manage to look away from. For most of us, these dreams will remain in their original form; far from fruition and slowly slipping into the realm of impossibility.

And then there is Jabari Arthur.

Arthur is the embodiment of a unique and inspirational athlete who will let nothing stand in the way of achieving his ultimate goal, capturing his idée fixe. An unusual twist to this textbook tale is that Jabari is Canadian, and a proud one at that. The challenges confronting Jabarri on his quest to success will be arduous and exhausting, yet as long as his actions are pursued wholeheartedly, making the dream a reality falls secondary.

More importantly, however, is the inspiration his example and attitude offer all Canadians who have ever dreamed of competing at the highest level on an international stage.

Arthur was born in Montreal, Quebec on August 28, 1982. Adoring the game of football from the earliest age, he was excited to play football for Coach Ray Gagnon at Vanier Prep, a CEGEP school in St. Laurent. Controlling the offense at quarterback, he was named league MVP and offensive player of the year in his sophomore and senior seasons.

Arthur joined the Akron Zips of the Mid-Atlantic Football Conference as a red shirt freshman in 2003. After practicing as backup quarterback and playing in only two games behind center in 2004, he was converted into a wide receiver. In his first game playing a new position, he caught eight passes for 61 yards. The switch to receiver definitely got the ball rolling, perhaps even flying.

During the next three years, Arthur continued to build his reputation around being a strong, pure athlete and clutch play maker. His 98 receptions, 1,482 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in three years at Akron raised the eyebrows of many scouts in the football world. Understandably, he was chosen by the Calgary Stampeders in the first round (sixth overall) in the 2007 CFL Draft.

Arthur declined the chance to play for Calgary and instead chose to return to Akron for his final season. He was tickled by the thought of being drafted by such a respected and well run organization like Calgary.

“I was very honoured and blessed that they took me,” said Arthur humbly. “It’s obviously an amazing feeling that they think so highly of me.”

The excitement of being drafted into the Canadian Football League was augmented by the fact that Jabari grew up a fan of the game.

“I think Raghib ‘Rocket’ Ismail and Henry ‘Gizmo’ Williams were the most exciting players. Back then, I was a quarterback and Tracy Ham was my favourite player,” said the 25-year-old.

In his final season with the Zips in 2007, Arthur had perfected his new position as he led all receivers on the squad in receiving yardage (1,171) receptions (86) and touchdowns (10). The ability to adapt and excel in a new position speaks volumes about Arthur’s attitude and work ethic.

“I came in playing quarterback and if you would have told me I would leave leading a season in yards and receptions, I would tell you that you’re crazy. It was a storybook career and I was blessed with the opportunities I got from Akron,” said Arthur.

One of the doors that such standout play at Akron opened for Arthur was the chance to fulfill a lifelong dream of playing in the NFL. Although he wasn’t selected in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Montreal native did sign with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in the late evening of April 27, 2008.

Arthur took one step closer to his goal.

“It’s the ultimate challenge and the ultimate opportunity to live out a childhood dream,” said Arthur of joining the Chiefs. He knows there is a plethora of work and studying that needs to be done in order to inch closer to cracking the 53-man roster.

“It’s only my fourth year playing receiver. There is a lot to learn and I’m learning something new every practice.”

Arthur is playing his cards wisely and has comprised a plan to make the most of his time playing with professional caliber talent.

“We’ve already had two practices and I have just been trying to watch the veterans and guys who know how to play the position best. I have to follow the lead and the bar the guys set.”

Joining a new team means meeting new teammates, wearing a new jersey and living in a new place. Accustomed to living outside of his home and native land for five years already, the emotions and pride of being a Canadian trying to make it in a sport dominated by Americans, never seems to waver.

“I definitely do feel distinct. Every time I put on a jersey, I am not just representing myself or my family but the whole country. Not a lot of Canadians have this opportunity and I am just really honoured to have this chance.”

With this mature perspective, Arthur understands the true importance of his journey, even if it means coming up short.

“In all honestly, if I don’t make the team I hope that I can be an inspiration to all Canadian athletes, just by following my dream. If you have a dream and a goal, follow it.”

If in fact Jabari Arthur is unable to make it in the NFL, he would still entertain the potential of heading home and playing for Calgary.

“Oh, definitely,” he said. “It’s still a great opportunity.”