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There’s added motivation for James Wilder Jr. as he enters his third season, and arguably his most important, in Double Blue.

From the time he first joined the Argos, Wilder Jr. would approach each game and every touch out of the backfield as a way to honour his father, former NFL running back James Wilder, and Wilder Jr.’s kids.

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This season has an added sense of incentive and recognition.

With the Argos enjoying a bye week in the CFL’s opening week, Wilder Jr. instead was forced to return to his native Tampa, Fla., where friend, Eric Patterson, was shot and killed.

With the blessing of the Argos, Wilder Jr. was able to head to Florida and provide Patterson’s mom all the help necessary in dealing with the pain of burying a child.

It was a moment of heartbreak for Wilder Jr., who has committed the CFL season to his slain friend, who suited up in the NFL for the Indy Colts and St. Louis Rams.

Several of Patterson’s former teammates, including all-world running back Todd Gurley, took to social media to offer support.