Roughriders balance football and fatherhood on Father's Day

When Roughrider defensive tackle Tearrius George found out he was going to be a father, he hit the books. He started reading every parenting book he could get his hands on. 

When my kid came out, he's nothing like the kids in the books. So none of the stuff in the books really worked.- Roughrider defensive tackle Tearrius George explaining how he tried to prepare for fatherhood.

But as the CFL all-star quickly discovered, there's only so much reading a young father can do.

"When my kid came out, he's nothing like the kids in the books. So none of the stuff in the books really worked. I did a bunch of panicking and reading for nothing really," George joked during the team's training camp.

George has a four-year-old son and a one-year-old son. Despite being a physical force on the football field, George said being a young father can be intimidating.

"You go into it thinking, 'I'm bigger than him and I'm more macho than him.' Then you go into the room with this four year old with his own mentality and own thoughts. So you have to find a way to get through to him."

How does a football player convince their young son to eat his vegetables or go to bed? Just like most parents. Bribery.

"If you could sit here for 10 minutes and don't move and just watch your cartoons, I'll give you a popsicle," George explained as he laughed about his four-year-old.  

George said it helps having teammates who can share parenting advice. He also said that when it comes to finding a balance between football and parenting, the hard work is done at home.

"Being a parent is almost harder than football. Football is a break cause you get to run around and hit people. But it's pretty good to have both in your life."

Emry excited to see his son grow up

It has been a busy last 12 months for Shea Emry.  The star linebacker was acquired by the Riders in the off-season from Toronto and became a father to a baby boy.

My son said da-da a few days ago and it brought me to tears. I don't know why it did but it did.- Roughrider linebacker Shea Emry.

Emry and his wife experienced a miscarriage before their son was born 9 months ago. He said that experience prepared him and his wife for parenthood.

"We were already prepared and ready to rock, and what was going through my mind was just continuing to be the best man I can be so I can instill the values that I want to instill in my son."

Emry has been very open about his battles with mental health issues, including depression. He believes men need to talk more about their emotional health with one-another, and he plans on being a great communicator with his son as he grows up.

"I want my son to know that if anything happens, good or bad, in his life, he can come and talk to me about it and know that I'm not going to pass judgment. I think there's a lot of value in having that open dialogue."

On the field, there is little that surprises Emry. He is known for being prepared every time he straps on his helmet and is quickly emerging as a leader with the Riders. 

But the native of Richmond, B.C. said there have been moments in the past 9 months that have caught him off-guard.

"My son said da-da a few days ago and it brought me to tears. I don't know why it did but it did. I'm pretty excited about every aspect of his development and learning. Everyday is a new learning experience and I think that's something I definitely didn't expect. I didn't expect how real it would be."