Big Blue Keeps Special Teams Special

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers locked-up a couple of unsung heroes today, announcing that running back Graeme Bell and long-snapper Chris Cvetkovic have re-signed with the football club.

As per team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Bell (5-10, 223, Saskatchewan ’04, DOB: Oct. 15, 1980 in Regina, Sask.) finished third on the Bombers in special team tackles in 2006 with 19. His 19 special teams tackles ranked sixth in the CFL.

The second-year Blue Bombers running back was also a productive part of the team’s offence. Bell rushed for 59 yards on 14 carries and had one catch for three yards and a touchdown.

Bell originally joined the Bombers midway through the 2005 season as a free agent after attending training camp with the Montreal Alouettes that year. He was part of two Vanier Cup championship teams with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies in 2002 and 2004 before turning pro.

“Graeme Bell’s contributions to this football often go unnoticed by casual fans of the game, but not to his teammates or the coaching staff here,” said Bombers G.M. Brendan Taman.

Cvetkovic (6-2, 239, Concordia ’01, DOB: June 28, 1977 in Hamilton, Ont.) recently completed his fourth season with the Blue Bombers. He appeared in all 18 regular season games plus one playoff game for the Blue & Gold in 2006.

Cvetkovic is regarded as one of the best long-snappers in the business. In 2005, his solid play helped punter Jon Ryan, now a member of the Green Bay Packers, become a CFL All-Star and set a CFL record for highest punting average in a single season (50.6 yards).

“Chris Cvetkovic’s contributions on special teams are critical to the team’s success in that facet of the game,” Taman said.

Cvetkovic has also been a big-time contributor to the Bomber cause off the field as well. He was the 2006 recipient of the Ed Kotowich Good Guy Award. The award is presented annually to the Bomber player who best demonstrates football ability, team camaraderie and extraordinary effort in the community.

Cvetkovic is active with a number of local charities including CancerCare Manitoba, Child Find Manitoba, Winnipeg Children’s Hospital Foundation, Raise-A-Reader, Christmas Cheerboard, Winnipeg Harvest and the Blue Bombers’ Stay-In-School Program.