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Reid has been popping up all over social media of late, thanks to his book Thank You Coach — Learning How To Live By Being Taught How To Play recently being released. He’s slimmed down in retirement, but in his playing days was listed at 6-1 and 305 pounds.

The Lions have Peirson at 6-3 and 300 pounds. He and Reid have similar body types, similar movements and mannerisms.

“I went to see Wally (Buono, Lions head coach) early in the summer and right away he said, ‘You have to look at this guy,’ and when he came up on the screen I wasn’t sure for a second — is that me?’” explained Reid, 42, who retired in 2014 following 13 CFL seasons.

“I met him that day. I was really impressed with him as a person. He was kind, gracious, intelligent. He presents himself with a smile on his face.

“I heard he was getting his first start a few weeks ago and I made a point to just focus on him the entire game and I thought he did great.”

That start came back on Oct. 6 against the Toronto Argonauts, and occurred because veteran centre Cody Husband (leg) and then third overall draft pick Peter Godber (ankle) were sidelined with injuries. Peirson had been on the practice roster until that point.

“I had little goals when I got here. I got to play in one of the pre-season games. Things like that,” said Peirson.

“That’s what you have to do. You keep working and you take it a little bit at a time. It’s like the analogy about taking down the tree. You keep swinging. You take out a chip here, and then a chip there, but you keep swinging. Eventually, my time to start came.”