To turn things around in football, you have to make pivotal moves. And that’s just what the Als did, kicking off 2018 with a new QB on their roster. Coming to Montreal with an NFL background, at an ideal 30 years of age, Josh Freeman is absolutely thrilled to join the ranks of Coach Sherman’s team. In his own words, he’s “fired up.”

Discover how the Kansas City boy feels about coming up North.

You had been approached by Kavis and the team before. What convinced you to make the move this time?

Last year, it was a little late in the process. They called me during training camp and I was entertaining a couple of different options. The timing just wasn’t right. I definitely have a lot of respect for the Alouettes organization. I like how Kavis conducts business, his views and vision for the future of the team. Things might not have worked out last year, but now the stars are aligning and I’m very happy about it.

Why did you buy into Kavis’ vision?

He wants to win. He’s all in. He wants to build the best football team and he wants to do it the right way. At the end of the day, the organization wants a team that goes out and competes week after week. Ultimately, the goal is to win a championship. That’s what I’m all about.

What do you think your NFL background brings to the table?

I know I have a lot to learn in terms of Canadian rules, but all in all, I’m a very competitive guy. I’ve gained a lot of experience being around so many different people and franchises. Most importantly, I know how to throw a football! I’m really excited to see what Montreal has been cooking, especially with Coach Sherman’s hire. I think it’ll be fun. Regardless of the role they give me, I plan on doing my best to help the organization succeed.

What will be the biggest challenge for you coming into the CFL?

Adapting from the NFL rules to CFL ones and making them a second nature. It’ll definitely be a fun challenge.

In what state of mind are you approaching this new challenge?

Open and certainly excited. Obviously, I have a lot to learn, but I think I have a lot to offer as well. I just want to go out and give everything that I’ve got every day. That’s really where my mind is. I’m going to do my best regardless of the assignment that is given to me to help the team be as good as it can be.

What are you mostly looking forward to coming to Montreal?

Meeting my new teammates! Working and developing with them… and winning football games!

You just turned 30, are you looking forward to getting back on the field as you enter QB prime time?

There is no time like the present, right? I’m making sure I stay open-minded, willing to grow and to develop in whatever situation. I think the more experience you have, the better, so I look at it as a great opportunity. I’m super fired up. Call it prime time if you want, all I know is I’m still young, still youthful, still energized.

What is your off-season preparation like?

I’m in Florida right now. I’m actually looking into a couple of different places and trying to structure my schedule around some of my training buddies. As the off-season progresses, I also want to figure out where guys on the team are working out. That would be ideal. Of course, I have to do some conditioning, but the goal is to throw balls non-stop. Wake up, throw, wake up, throw.

Have you been in contact with any of the coaches or players so far?

I spoke to Coach Sherman. He’s an awesome guy. I played against him in college and followed his career in the pros. His son-in-law was actually my quarterback coach when I was with the Dolphins. He’s a heck of a guy and a heck of a coach. I’m really excited to have the opportunity to spend time working with him and developing under him. I also spoke with Kavis, of course. It’s definitely going to be an awesome ride. It’ll be fun getting to know the coaching staff. Other than that, I haven’t met that many guys, but I’m definitely going to come to Montreal before summer. I’m hoping to make my way there in a couple of weeks.