Ed Philion
CFL.ca
You know there is always that one guy that when you need a laugh everyone seems to go to. For the Alouettes, Anwar Stewart is that guy.
Since signing as a free agent in 2002 with Montreal, “Stewie” has been cracking on everyone and everything. His “Buzz Lightyear” looks and quick wit, (yes, the same Buzz Lightyear from the movie Toy Story) allow him to keep the locker room loose throughout the long CFL season.
A born entertainer with a southern drawl, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Stewie doing stand-up once his playing days are through. Until then, it’s the things he does on the field that continue to help the Alouettes win football games.
The 2004 CFL Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year doesn’t always get the hype of some of the other high profile players in the league receive, or even that of some of his teammates, but he does get the respect of his peers and his coaches.
Anwar is one of those players we in the business call “playmaker”; he has the uncanny ability to always be in the right place at the right time. Some of the things he brings to the table don’t always show up on the stat sheet each week. However, defensively, whenever a big play is made you can be sure that “Buzz” is right in the middle of the action.
Always a leader in the locker room since coming to Montreal, Anwar may be doing his best stand-up this season. In the game against BC in that improbable goaline stand you can bet Stewie was right in the middle, doing whatever it takes to win games. Great players always have that ability to come up big in big games.
Although the one-time rookie show tarot card reader may be a hoot in the locker room, his play on the field is anything but smoke and mirrors.
Ed Philion played eight seasons along the defensive line for the Montreal Alouettes. He was a three-time East Division All-Star and helped the Alouettes win the Grey Cup in 2002. Currently, he is a member of the Alouettes’ broadcast team on CJAD Radio in Montreal.
