Article content

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Eli Ankou’s fellow, more experienced defensive linemates on the Jacksonville Jaguars call him “Rook.” That is, when they’re just playing around.

Otherwise?

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Jaguars D-line vets tease, but respect, ‘Rook’ from Ottawa Back to video

“If he makes me mad, I call him ‘EE-lie.’ He doesn’t like that pronunciation,” starting nose tackle Abry Jones said.

Right. Ankou prefers not the common pronunciation of his first name, but rather “EE-lee.” As in, ‘really’ without the ‘R.’

Ankou and the Jaguars have made it to the second round of the NFL playoffs. On Sunday, they visit the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second of two AFC divisional-round games this weekend. The winner advances to the Jan. 21 AFC championship, where a berth in Super Bowl LII will be on the line.

Born and raised in Ottawa (specifically, in Ottawa South and Orleans) and a proud Canadian, the 6-foot-3, 325-pound Ankou has been a member of the Jaguars since Labour Day weekend. A multi-year starter with UCLA in U.S. college football, he signed last April with the NFL’s Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent.