DANKOCHIK’S DRAFTINGS: Chasing injury legends is no way to play in a Grey Cup

The 1964 Stanley Cup final may have been the most unfortunate result in sports history, in terms of impacting athlete behaviour.

Bobby Baun scored the overtime winner for the Toronto Maple Leafs, helping them defeat the Gordie Howe-led Detroit Red Wings and give Toronto the cup.

That moment has inspired countless athletes to chase their own version of the Bobby Baun story, bravely fighting through injuries to hobble out onto the field, only to have their play fall short in a devastating loss.

Just a few years after Baun’s heroics, Willis Reed famously suited up to play in game seven of the 1970 NBA finals, despite a torn muscle. Lost in the legend of that performance was the fact Reed only made two shots before subbing out for Walt Frazier, who finished with an impressive 36 points and 19 assists in a famous Knicks victory.

I’m sure Zach Collaros had similar aspirations when he came back into the 2024 Grey Cup, but visions of a legendary comeback should have been cut short by the coaching staff.

It was clear the cut on Collaros’ throwing hand finger was too much to overcome, as the Bomber quarterback returned to throw three interceptions, including a pick-six. He was clearly hampered by the injury.

Bomber fans are no stranger to that kind of brave performance which hurts a team in a big spot. Last year, Adam Bighill fought so hard to return to the field for the Grey Cup, only to be severely limited by his injury.

Sports can be emotional and beautiful, and there’s nothing like a great return to spark an incredible legend, but chasing those moments can come at a severe cost, as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers found out last Sunday.