Hulking offensive linemen find unique way to celebrate during Bombers’ surge
WINNIPEG — When Jermarcus Hardrick first jumped into the home crowd after a Blue Bombers’ touchdown, it caught some fans by surprise.
“I scared some little kids over here,” the six-foot-five, 314-pound offensive right tackle said after Wednesday’s practice while pointing to the end-zone stands.
Home fans might see a lot more of the celebration, which has been coined the “Hardrick Hop.” Winnipeg (8-4) is on a seven-game winning streak, and the play of the offensive line is one of the reasons for the Blue Bombers’ dramatic turnaround this season.
In Winnipeg’s first five games, former starting quarterback Drew Willy was sacked 14 times and backup Matt Nichols twice. The team went 1-4. Since Nichols became the starter at the beginning of the win streak, he’s only been hauled down nine times in the seven games.


