Linebacker Adam Konar was signed by the B.C. Lions following his release by the Edmonton Eskimos (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

LIONS TRAINING CAMP

Konar feels ‘special’ to be playing for hometown team

May 30, 2019 | 3:45 PM

KAMLOOPS — Adam Konar feels right at home with the B.C. Lions.

After being released by Edmonton a day before training camp, the Vancouver native jumped on the chance to come home.

“It wasn’t necessarily my goal to play here. It just happened to work out,” said the 25-year-old linebacker. “It wasn’t necessarily going to work out if other things happened in Edmonton, but the way it worked out, this ended up being the perfect opportunity.”

The Konar name has history with the Lions dating back to the 1980s when his dad Kevin played for B.C. (1980-89), winning a Grey Cup in 1985. Adam is embracing the opportunity to play with the same team.

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“I got a bunch of message from friends [on coming home], people who recognize the name through the season is awesome,” he said. “Just having that connection already to the Lions is definitely something that’s pretty special.”

Adam wasn’t born when Kevin retired in 1989, but student learned from the master, soaking up his dad’s stories and experience. He’s translated it into his own CFL journey.

“He coached for me in peewee and high school, so I grew up learning from him,” said Adam. “But he was also first and foremost my dad. But he’d always be there to be giving pointers and stuff like that. To have a former professional player that played the same position that you want to play gives you inside information to be able to help you succeed.”

Beyond the familiar name, Adam could be a key part of a Lions’ linebacking core that is moving on without Solomon Elimimian for the first time in nine years.

“He brings a veteran-savvy presence who understands what we want,” said head coach DeVone Claybrooks. “He’s played at a high level before and has been successful. He’s also a great special teams player, so his versatility is always a plus. His added value on special teams is definitely what separates him from the rest of the other Canadian linebackers in the league.”

Konar still knows, however, he has something to prove to the new coaching staff and himself.

“I’m never satisfied. I still feel like I’ve got a long ways to go. A lot of room to grow until I become the player I want to be, so that’s what I’m working towards.”