By: CFL Ottawa Alumni – Ken Evraire
Photo: Scott Grant
Stephen Jones – Ottawa Rough Riders Receiver – 1990-94
Stephen Jones…aka Step-Toe! Let’s begin with your time with the Central Michigan University. A lot of people would not know that you played QB for the Chippewas. What was it like for you playing college ball in Mount Pleasant, MI just 90 minutes away from your home in Flint, Michigan?
I played quarterback all my university years except my final year when I changed to WR. It was great playing close to home because my family could come and watch the games and Mt. Pleasant was a fantastic football town. I am proud to be the 1st black QB at CMU.
As mentioned, you played QB for the Chippewas but you did so for the first 2 seasons (80 and 81) and then moved to WR in 1982. What was that transition like for you?
The transition from QB to WR was hard as I was ready to have my best year at the QB position, but my coach gave up on me. My knowledge of the game and my athletic ability helped me make it to a level where I was eventually paid for it.
Considering the career you had in the CFL (439 rec. 8256yds and 49 td’s) was the move to WR a blessing in disguise?
Was it a blessing? No. Had he left me at QB, I would’ve been drafted and more likely would’ve made it as a receiver in the NFL. The Detroit Lions did give me a $10,000 signing bonus. Had I been drafted, it probably would have been 7 times that and giving me much more of a chance to make the team. It’s all about the upfront investment in the NFL.
So, in 1985 you find yourself at the Saskatchewan Roughriders training camp. Learning the receiver position has its challenges but having to do it on a wider field with an extra man on each side of the ball had to offer its challenges. Did the CFL game feel like a good fit for you right away?
I knew the CFL was for me with the wide field.
There have been some great receivers in the league when you arrived. The likes of Mervyn Fernandez, Terry Greer, James Murphy, Craig Ellis, teammate Brian Kelly and Chris DeFrance. Did they inspire and/or challenge you?
Of all the great receivers, only two had any influence on me. The great Ray Elgaard told me once to get my butt up-field when returning punts. I had never done that before, but wanted to score every time I would touch the ball…mistake. It taught me a lesson on what it takes to be a pro. I spent a lot of time watching Brian Kelley and tried to use some of his techniques to get open. The biggest influence for me was actually coach Steve Goldman because he taught me how to be a receiver.
How did you get the nickname Step-toe?
The origins of my nick-name came from a player named Mark Jackson. In the locker room he was talking about a player who had dropped a long pass on NFL Monday Night football and his name was….Steptoe. I had recently cracked both of my big toes in games so he said from here on out I am calling you Steptoe. People still call me by that name.
In 1986 and 1987 it was the best of times and the worst of times. You become a member of the Edmonton Eskimos and you have what can be considered a breakout season in 1986 (40 rec. 922 yards and 5td’s) but the team loses to Hamilton in the Grey Cup. Then in 1987 you have an even better season (55 rec. 1147 yards and 8td’s) finishing 2nd in team receiving behind Brian Kelly (1628 yards and 13 td’s) and win the Grey Cup over the Toronto Argonauts. What stands out from that 2 season run?
Great QBs and a good defense make a big difference. We just had a great team and I was happy to be a big part of it. The last two years were tough on me due to injuries. I played but couldn’t beat my grandmother with those injuries I sustained.
Your numbers with the Eskimos drop in 1988 and 1989 but based on the 2nd half of your CFL career you certainly were not done. You became an Ottawa Rough Rider in 1990. You rang up 59 catches for 1182 yards and 11 td’s . You were selected a CFL and Eastern Conference All-Star. You went on to become a 2 time CFL All-Star, 3 time Eastern Conference All-Star, all toll you caught 279 passes, 5113 yards and 34td’s . What do you attribute your success to with the Riders?
Simple…astro turf. I was always fast but on dry astro turf I was blazing fast (when healthy). I had my way on the field and was taking on all comers.
As a former teammate, I remember you always leading by example, be it in games or practice. How would you want to be remembered when your name is brought up in football conversations?
I’d like to be remembered as the guy who could fly down the field, always make the catch and be the player you could always count on.
What are your fondest memories from your time in the CFL?
My fondest memories: At BC Place with Coach Goldman, Damon Allen, Matt Dunigan and Brian Kelly right after winning the 87 Grey Cup, we were sitting on the field, drinking champagne and basking in the glory of being champions long after everyone had left the building.
Looking back on your career do you have any regrets?
Regrets? None! It is what it is and I accept it and I know it was a great run.
You made Ottawa your full time home. What kept you in the Nation’s Capital?
The people and the beautiful city kept me here. I think Canadians are wonderful, caring people. I like the idea of universal health care. I am now in the security industry where I have been successful running my own security company. I am Canadian at heart.
For more on Stephen Jones go to this link and enjoy his work in the CFL http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkpzPvp8Dn0
