New Lions head coach DeVone Claybrooks is diabetic and he found out the hard way last August (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

LIONS TRAINING CAMP

New Lions head coach embracing opportunity in B.C. after near-death experience

May 29, 2019 | 12:50 PM

KAMLOOPS — DeVone Claybrooks is living proof there are second chances at life.

It was last August when the new B.C. Lions head coach was found unconscious inside his Calgary home.

“I went into a diabetic coma,” said Claybrooks. “Found out the hard way I’m diabetic. I had no idea. Knew that it ran in my family. Next thing I know, my neighbour’s waking me up.”

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His mom Sally, who is also diabetic, hadn’t heard from her son for a day, and got his neighbour to check in on him.

The 41-year-old had been in the coma for 18 hours, and when he arrived at the hospital, doctors were astounded he was still alive.

“Your normal diabetic ranges are from eight to 10 [blood sugar levels] for a normal human. Mine was a 98,” said Claybrooks. “The ICU doctor basically said he’s never had a guy to get over a 90 and live. He said he had an 80, they died. A 70, they passed away. So I’m blessed to be here.”

Claybrooks spent 10 days in hospital before returning to the Stampeders’ sideline as defensive coordinator. He would go on to help Calgary win the Grey Cup and is now the man in B.C.

He’s been forced to make significant lifestyle changes that have been working.

“I just cut out all sugar, limit my carbs and exercise,” he said. “It’s kind of paying off. I see three abs instead of the top two. It’s an improvement.”

He says he misses sugar at times, especially during training camp when dessert comes out. But just to be here in Kamloops preparing for the upcoming season as a first-year head coach is enough for Claybrooks, who’s now had a couple life scares.

“I got bit by a poisonous spider in Europe, and then I had the diabetic scare, so I’ve used two of my nine lives,” joked Claybrooks. “So hopefully I can steal a few more.”