Wray Morrison: The Best of Makowsky

It was fitting that Chris Best mentioned Gene Makowsky during his retirement news conference on Thursday.
 
For a whole decade, Best gave everything he could to the Saskatchewan Roughriders with little fanfare. 
 
Best was a Canadian-born player who just appreciated the fact that he got to play in the Canadian Football League.
 
The reason Best’s mention of Makwosky was fitting was because they were so similar in attitude.

For 17 seasons Makowsky was another low-key player who led by example. My favourite Makowsky moment was in 2007 after the Grey Cup victory.
 
While many players were celebrating in the endzone of Rogers Centre, Makowsky made a slow stroll up the sidelines in his street clothes, noticed me and discreetly pumped his fist. A fitting reaction 
from a player who always put team first.
 
Here’s hoping there is always room for such selfless, character players on this football team that belongs to the people of Sasaktchewan.