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Saskatchewan Roughriders centre Dan Clark prides himself on playing every game like it could be his last.

That sentiment took on a whole new meaning this spring when Clark was involved in a serious car accident that could have brought an end to his CFL career — or worse.

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The 31-year-old Regina product was reminded of both scenarios on Wednesday when he was named the Riders’ most outstanding offensive lineman — an award that put the whole ordeal in perspective.

“It means a lot,” Clark said. “(It’s hard) to think I could have not been here playing football at all. This is very important to me (and) very important to my family.”

In fact, it’s important for reasons that transcend football.

“With the accident, I was thinking more along the lines of: ‘Am I going to be able to hug and kiss my wife and see my kids again?’ or ‘Am I going to be able to walk again?’ ” he continued. “Standing in the field that day beside the (wrecked) car and maybe waiting for STARS (Air Ambulance) to show up … a lot goes through your mind. Football was the least important thing in that moment.”