Stampeders defensive lineman Folarin Orimolade is going with the Flo
Defensive lineman Folarin Orimolade goes by 'Flo' in the Stampeder locker room. And Flo was going with the flow on Saturday night against the B.C. Lions., where he was outstanding in a heartbreaking 41-40 loss.
The highlight came when the 26-year-old intercepted a Nathan Rourke pass and took it to the house. Orimolade said it was the first touchdown he's had since his high school days.
"I didn't know it was going to feel that good. It actually felt really good to get into the end zone," Orimolade said.
"I was supposed to cover the middle of the field but nobody came to the middle. I got a drag coming back from the other side so I was out leveraging it but the drag guy stopped and I saw the quarterback who thought he was still going to go so I just went where his eyes went and the ball just popped up."
THE SECRET IS OUT
Orimolade's teammates weren't surprised he stepped up and made the big play. Earlier this season, fellow defensive lineman Sean Lemon called Orimolade the best kept secret in the CFL.
He said that's not the case anymore.
"The secret is out, the secret is definitely out," Lemon said.
"I'm just so happy for him you know what I mean. I understand the work that he puts in. He's like a little brother to me and I'm just proud of him. I've been there, I've seen him injured and I've seen him crying in the locker room. Hats off to the organization sticking with the guy, you know going through tough times but I'm just happy to see him thriving."
The 26-year-old intercepted a Nathan Rourke pass and took it to the house against the Lions Saturday, scoring his first touchdown since high school.
LONG REHAB
There were questions whether Orimolade would be able to thrive in the CFL. He joined the team in 2018 but hasn't played in a lot of games.
In 2019, he suffered a quadriceps injury that kept him out the entire season. In 2020, the season was wiped out due to the pandemic and then in 2021, Orimolade missed more than half the season with a high ankle sprain.
He said it's great to be back on the field again and making big plays.
"It's been a long journey. Long knee rehab, two of them. You know the ankle last year so it feels good to put a stretch together like this."
HARD WORKER
Head coach Dave Dickenson said the team stuck with Orimolade because they knew he was going to put the work in and do his best to get back onto the field.
"The main thing with Flo is you're never not going to get hard work," Dickenson said.
"You know the guy, practice roster, starter, all star he just shows up the same and he's not interested in just getting to the game. He wants to work on his craft and he takes it serious. Football is important to him."
STICK WITH IT
Orimolade admits there were times he wondered if he was going to make it back. There were plenty of set backs a long the way.
He said getting back on the field and making a difference makes it all worthwhile.
"Hard work does pay off but I think the thing is that you have to stick through it when you feel like you can't go any further, you always have more left. And stay faithful that you'll be able to get through it."
Orimolade and the Stamps are in Toronto on Saturday night to face the Argos. Kickoff for that game is at 5:00 p.m.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.
WHO likely to issue wider alert on contaminated cough syrup
The World Health Organization is likely to issue a wider warning about contaminated Johnson and Johnson-made children's cough syrup found in Nigeria last week, it said in an email.
Advocacy groups speak out against domestic violence comments by Nova Scotia minister
Several Nova Scotia groups that assist women are speaking out against comments on domestic violence by Justice Minister Brad Johns, and at least one is calling for his dismissal.