THE CANADIAN PRESS
CALGARY — The opportunity to repeat as a Grey Cup champion on home field was enough to convince Brandon Browner to remain with the Calgary Stampeders.
The CFL all-star cornerback returned to Calgary on Thursday, signing a one-year deal, plus an option with defending Grey Cup-champion Stampeders.
"It was a good opportunity to come back to Calgary and try and get a Grey Cup win in Calgary," Browner said during a news conference. "And a good opportunity to make some money in Calgary, you know?"
The ’09 Grey Cup game will be played at McMahon Stadium. But winning the CFL championship on home soil has been difficult as the ’94 B.C. Lions were the last team to accomplish that feat.
In fact, the Stampeders saw first-hand last year how hard it is as their Grey Cup win was a 22-14 decision over the Montreal Alouettes at Olympic Stadium.
And Browner played that game with two fractured bones in his ankle.
"He was a central part of our defence last year," said Calgary head coach/GM John Hufnagel. "We would play a certain style because of his abilities and his athleticism.
"He played a game on a damaged ankle that probably enhanced the damage. Rehab has been slow but it has been improving and I’m sure we’ll be fine once training camp starts."
The six-foot-three, 210-pound Browner originally signed with Calgary in 2007 and was a CFL all-star last season.
Browner, 24, began his pro career in 2005 with the Denver Broncos. He signed with the club as an undrafted free agent and impressed during training camp before suffering a broken forearm and missing the entire regular season. He was let go the following year.
