Latest news with #Eberhardt
Vancouver Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- Vancouver Sun
B.C. Lions: Road to CFL hasn't been easy for receiver Ayden Eberhardt
Resiliency has led Ayden Eberhardt to where he's at. The 27-year-old American receiver is enjoying a solid season with the B.C. Lions with 21 catches for 366 yards (17.4-yard average) and two touchdowns. But Eberhardt's path to the CFL hasn't been easy. He suffered a serious knee injury as a senior at Wyoming in 2021. Roughly three months after undergoing surgery, Eberhardt was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, a condition where the body's immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. 'If you'd told me when all of that was going down that I'd be playing pro football I probably would've questioned you a bit,' Eberhardt said. 'It (diagnosis) made rehab much trickier trying to figure out what I could eat to be able to recover. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'But I'm super thankful for everyone who's helped me get here. I love B.C. and playing in the CFL. It's all surreal.' Without insulin, glucose can't enter cells to be used for energy, which can lead to a dangerous sugar buildup in the bloodstream. Type 1 diabetics must take insulin either via injection or an insulin pump to manage their blood sugar. 'It's crazy because I went almost a year of recovery and testing foods to see what I could eat and how I must dose for different things,' Eberhardt said. 'It's definitely not easy and I'd say I'm still learning how to manage my sugar levels and make sure they're in line through practice and meetings and what can I eat that helps and doesn't help for games. 'But I think it has helped because as a professional athlete diet is very important and I have to think about mine quite a bit so it's beneficial knowing what I'm eating.' Eberhard allows himself cheat days to indulge in such treats as ice cream. But not sushi, at least for now. 'That breaks my heart because I absolutely love sushi,' he said. 'But rice messes me up quite a bit. 'The thing is you just have to know how to dose for it, that's kind of the motto I've been living by. I haven't taken that leap yet (for sushi) but I need to and I'm going to.' The six-foot-one, 200-pound Eberhardt signed with B.C. in February 2023 and played in two games as a rookie. He appeared in all 18 regular-season contests last year, recording 41 catches for 639 yards and two touchdowns. 'I felt comfortable last year but being 100 per cent honest, I think the game has slowed down for me now, whether it's coverages, what to look for, how to play against different leverages,' Eberhardt said. 'Obviously as time goes on you get more and more comfortable but I'd say this is probably the most comfortable I've been up here.' Another reason for Eberhardt's comfort level is familiarity. He has been teammates with Keon Hatcher Sr., Justin McInnis and Jevon Cottoy since arriving in B.C. and is in his second season with Stanley Berryhill III. And Canadian starter Nathan Rourke is in his second season after returning to B.C. last August following NFL stints with New England, the New York Giants and Atlanta. 'It's always nice to be able to pick each other's brain during practice and games if we (receivers) see something we weren't expecting or is new or different and how to play off of it,' Eberhardt said. 'Nate is a great leader who plays his butt off. 'You can see how much he puts into the game and how bad he really wants to win … and as other people on the team see that, it motivates everybody.' B.C. leads the CFL in net offence (408.3 yards per game) and stands second in passing (307.9). But the Lions are also fourth in rushing (106.4 yards) and boast the league's leading runner in James Butler (619 yards, 5.5-yard average, five TDs). 'Ayden is an outstanding high-character individual whose talent on the football field has been evident this season,' said Kenny Kim of Summit Athletes, Eberhardt's Florida-based agent. 'He plays the game with a lot of passion and grit. 'Ayden has made considerable strides in overcoming initial challenges. His commitment to hard work is yielding a lot of success and he'll continue to perform at a very high level.' But it's been a roller-coaster season for B.C. (3-5). The Lions have lost two straight heading into Thursday night's game versus the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (6-2) at Hamilton Stadium. 'We're so close,' Eberhardt said. 'We've shown flashes, I just don't think we've played a full complementary game as a team. 'I think once that happens and it clicks, then we'll be rolling and it will continue from there.'
The Province
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Province
B.C. Lions: Road to CFL hasn't been easy for receiver Ayden Eberhardt
Eberhardt suffered a serious knee injury as a senior at Wyoming in 2021. Roughly three months after undergoing surgery, he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes Published Aug 06, 2025 • 4 minute read B.C. Lions' Ayden Eberhardt, left, runs with the ball after making a reception as Hamilton Tiger-Cats' Jonathan Moxey defends during the second half of a CFL football game, in Vancouver, on July 27, 2025. Photo by DARRYL DYCK / THE CANADIAN PRESS Resiliency has led Ayden Eberhardt to where he's at. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The 27-year-old American receiver is enjoying a solid season with the B.C. Lions with 21 catches for 366 yards (17.4-yard average) and two touchdowns. But Eberhardt's path to the CFL hasn't been easy. He suffered a serious knee injury as a senior at Wyoming in 2021. Roughly three months after undergoing surgery, Eberhardt was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, a condition where the body's immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. 'If you'd told me when all of that was going down that I'd be playing pro football I probably would've questioned you a bit,' Eberhardt said. 'It (diagnosis) made rehab much trickier trying to figure out what I could eat to be able to recover. 'But I'm super thankful for everyone who's helped me get here. I love B.C. and playing in the CFL. It's all surreal.' Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Without insulin, glucose can't enter cells to be used for energy, which can lead to a dangerous sugar buildup in the bloodstream. Type 1 diabetics must take insulin either via injection or an insulin pump to manage their blood sugar. 'It's crazy because I went almost a year of recovery and testing foods to see what I could eat and how I must dose for different things,' Eberhardt said. 'It's definitely not easy and I'd say I'm still learning how to manage my sugar levels and make sure they're in line through practice and meetings and what can I eat that helps and doesn't help for games. 'But I think it has helped because as a professional athlete diet is very important and I have to think about mine quite a bit so it's beneficial knowing what I'm eating.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Eberhard allows himself cheat days to indulge in such treats as ice cream. But not sushi, at least for now. 'That breaks my heart because I absolutely love sushi,' he said. 'But rice messes me up quite a bit. 'The thing is you just have to know how to dose for it, that's kind of the motto I've been living by. I haven't taken that leap yet (for sushi) but I need to and I'm going to.' The six-foot-one, 200-pound Eberhardt signed with B.C. in February 2023 and played in two games as a rookie. He appeared in all 18 regular-season contests last year, recording 41 catches for 639 yards and two touchdowns. 'I felt comfortable last year but being 100 per cent honest, I think the game has slowed down for me now, whether it's coverages, what to look for, how to play against different leverages,' Eberhardt said. 'Obviously as time goes on you get more and more comfortable but I'd say this is probably the most comfortable I've been up here.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Another reason for Eberhardt's comfort level is familiarity. He has been teammates with Keon Hatcher Sr., Justin McInnis and Jevon Cottoy since arriving in B.C. and is in his second season with Stanley Berryhill III. And Canadian starter Nathan Rourke is in his second season after returning to B.C. last August following NFL stints with New England, the New York Giants and Atlanta. 'It's always nice to be able to pick each other's brain during practice and games if we (receivers) see something we weren't expecting or is new or different and how to play off of it,' Eberhardt said. 'Nate is a great leader who plays his butt off. 'You can see how much he puts into the game and how bad he really wants to win … and as other people on the team see that, it motivates everybody.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. B.C. leads the CFL in net offence (408.3 yards per game) and stands second in passing (307.9). But the Lions are also fourth in rushing (106.4 yards) and boast the league's leading runner in James Butler (619 yards, 5.5-yard average, five TDs). 'Ayden is an outstanding high-character individual whose talent on the football field has been evident this season,' said Kenny Kim of Summit Athletes, Eberhardt's Florida-based agent. 'He plays the game with a lot of passion and grit. 'Ayden has made considerable strides in overcoming initial challenges. His commitment to hard work is yielding a lot of success and he'll continue to perform at a very high level.' But it's been a roller-coaster season for B.C. (3-5). The Lions have lost two straight heading into Thursday night's game versus the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (6-2) at Hamilton Stadium. 'We're so close,' Eberhardt said. 'We've shown flashes, I just don't think we've played a full complementary game as a team. 'I think once that happens and it clicks, then we'll be rolling and it will continue from there.' Read More Vancouver Whitecaps Sports Celebrity BC Lions News
Vancouver Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
Josh Allen's NFL success not a surprise to former teammate Eberhardt
Ayden Eberhardt isn't the least bit surprised that Josh Allen has developed into one of the NFL's top quarterbacks. Long before Allen led the Buffalo Bills to dominance in the AFC East, he spent three years (2015-17) at Wyoming, where he and Eberhardt were teammates for two years. The six-foot-one, 200-pound Eberhardt is in his third season as a receiver with the B.C. Lions. And it didn't take Eberhardt — a former high school quarterback — long to understand Allen was different. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'The first time I got there, we were just warming up,' Eberhardt said. 'And after about 10 minutes I look up and he's like 80 yards down the field flicking the ball to me. 'I was like, 'What? This is crazy. College is unreal. I knew the quarterbacks were good but, damn!' Arm talent, playmaking ability, leadership, he has it all so it has been really cool to see him do his thing in Buffalo.' Buffalo selected the six-foot-five, 237-pound Allen in the first round, No. 7 overall, of the 2018 NFL draft and he became the starter the following season. Allen has led the Bills to six playoff appearances, five straight AFC titles and two conference championship appearances. Allen's best passing season with Buffalo came in 2020 when he threw for 4,544 yards with 37 touchdowns. But he was named the NFL MVP last season after recording 3,731 passing yards with 28 touchdowns and just six interceptions while running for 531 yards (5.2-yard average) and 12 touchdowns in leading the Bills to a 13-4 regular-season mark. Buffalo dispatched Denver (31-7) and Baltimore (27-25) in the playoffs before losing a heartbreaking 32-29 decision to Kansas City in the AFC championship game. Unlike his college days, Allen has shown a deft passing touch with Buffalo. He enters the '25 campaign with a career 63.3 passing percentage with 195 TDs and 84 interceptions. He has also run for 4,142 yards (5.5-yard average) and 65 touchdowns. Allen completed 365 of 649 passes (56.2 per cent) for 5,066 yards with 44 TDs and 21 interceptions over 27 games at Wyoming. The 29-year-old California native also ran 237 times for 767 yards (3.2-yard average) with 12 TDs. 'The Josh Allen you see now is the Josh Allen I've always known,' Eberhardt said. 'His work ethic is probably what I'd credit his NFL success to and everything that's come with it. 'At the end of the day, the guy just wants to win and he's going to do anything and everything he can to do that. In college, he showed flashes of these crazy plays of hurdling someone or running around and making a ridiculous throw right on the money.' Allen's humility is also something that endears him to his teammates, Eberhardt said. 'He's a great dude, on and off the field,' he said. 'Obviously, his success in the NFL is awesome to see because he's such a great guy. 'And you can't help but root for people like that. You love to see it.' Eberhardt appeared in 42 games over five seasons (2017-21) at Wyoming — he redshirted in 2016. Eberhardt recorded 50 catches for 764 yards and two TDs while adding 14 special-teams tackles at the school and was named to the All-Mountain West Athletic team in his senior season.
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Road to CFL hasn't been an easy one for Lions receiver Ayden Eberhardt
Resiliency has led Ayden Eberhardt to where he's at. The 27-year-old American receiver is enjoying a solid season with the B.C. Lions with 21 catches for 366 yards (17.4-yard average) and two touchdowns. But Eberhardt's path to the CFL hasn't been easy. He suffered a serious knee injury as a senior at Wyoming in 2021. Roughly three months after undergoing surgery, Eberhardt was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, a condition where the body's immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. 'If you'd told me when all of that was going down that I'd be playing pro football I probably would've questioned you a bit,' Eberhardt said. 'It (diagnosis) made rehab much trickier trying to figure out what I could eat to be able to recover. 'But I'm super thankful for everyone who's helped me get here. I love B.C. and playing in the CFL. It's all surreal.' Without insulin, glucose can't enter cells to be used for energy, which can lead to a dangerous sugar buildup in the bloodstream. Type 1 diabetics must take insulin either via injection or an insulin pump to manage their blood sugar. 'It's crazy because I went almost a year of recovery and testing foods to see what I could eat and how I must dose for different things,' Eberhardt said. 'It's definitely not easy and I'd say I'm still learning how to manage my sugar levels and make sure they're in line through practice and meetings and what can I eat that helps and doesn't help for games. 'But I think it has helped because as a professional athlete diet is very important and I have to think about mine quite a bit so it's beneficial knowing what I'm eating.' Eberhard allows himself cheat days to indulge in such treats as ice cream. But not sushi, at least for now. 'That breaks my heart because I absolutely love sushi,' he said. 'But rice messes me up quite a bit. 'The thing is you just have to know how to dose for it, that's kind of the motto I've been living by. I haven't taken that leap yet (for sushi) but I need to and I'm going to.' The six-foot-one, 200-pound Eberhardt signed with B.C. in February 2023 and played in two games as a rookie. He appeared in all 18 regular-season contests last year, recording 41 catches for 639 yards and two touchdowns. 'I felt comfortable last year but being 100 per cent honest, I think the game has slowed down for me now, whether it's coverages, what to look for, how to play against different leverages,' Eberhardt said. 'Obviously as time goes on you get more and more comfortable but I'd say this is probably the most comfortable I've been up here.' Another reason for Eberhardt's comfort level is familiarity. He has been teammates with Keon Hatcher Sr., Justin McInnis and Jevon Cottoy since arriving in B.C. and is in his second season with Stanley Berryhill III. And Canadian starter Nathan Rourke is in his second season after returning to B.C. last August following NFL stints with New England, the New York Giants and Atlanta. 'It's always nice to be able to pick each other's brain during practice and games if we (receivers) see something we weren't expecting or is new or different and how to play off of it,' Eberhardt said. 'Nate is a great leader who plays his butt off. 'You can see how much he puts into the game and how bad he really wants to win … and as other people on the team see that, it motivates everybody.' B.C. leads the CFL in net offence (408.3 yards per game) and stands second in passing (307.9). But the Lions are also fourth in rushing (106.4 yards) and boast the league's leading runner in James Butler (619 yards, 5.5-yard average, five TDs). 'Ayden is an outstanding high-character individual whose talent on the football field has been evident this season,' said Kenny Kim of Summit Athletes, Eberhardt's Florida-based agent. 'He plays the game with a lot of passion and grit. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. 'Ayden has made considerable strides in overcoming initial challenges. His commitment to hard work is yielding a lot of success and he'll continue to perform at a very high level.' But it's been a roller-coaster season for B.C. (3-5). The Lions have lost two straight heading into Thursday night's game versus the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (6-2) at Hamilton Stadium. 'We're so close,' Eberhardt said. 'We've shown flashes, I just don't think we've played a full complementary game as a team. 'I think once that happens and it clicks, then we'll be rolling and it will continue from there.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 6, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Josh Allen's NFL success not a surprise to former teammate Eberhardt
Ayden Eberhardt isn't the least bit surprised that Josh Allen has developed into one of the NFL's top quarterbacks. Long before Allen led the Buffalo Bills to dominance in the AFC East, he spent three years (2015-17) at Wyoming, where he and Eberhardt were teammates for two years. The six-foot-one, 200-pound Eberhardt is in his third season as a receiver with the CFL's B.C. Lions. And it didn't take Eberhardt — a former high school quarterback — long to understand Allen was different. 'The first time I got there, we were just warming up,' Eberhardt said. 'And after about 10 minutes I look up and he's like 80 yards down the field flicking the ball to me. 'I was like, 'What? This is crazy. College is unreal. I knew the quarterbacks were good but, damn!' Arm talent, playmaking ability, leadership, he has it all so its been really cool to see him do his thing in Buffalo.' Buffalo selected the six-foot-five, 237-pound Allen in the first round, No. 7 overall, of the 2018 NFL draft and he became the starter the following season. Allen has led the Bills to six playoff appearances, five straight AFC titles and two conference championship appearances. Allen's best passing season with Buffalo came in 2020 when he threw for 4,544 yards with 37 touchdowns. But he was named the NFL MVP last season after recording 3,731 passing yards with 28 touchdowns and just six interceptions while running for 531 yards (5.2-yard average) and 12 touchdowns in leading the Bills to a 13-4 regular-season mark. Buffalo dispatched Denver (31-7) and Baltimore (27-25) in the playoffs before losing a heartbreaking 32-29 decision to Kansas City in the AFC championship game. Unlike his college days, Allen has shown a deft passing touch with Buffalo. He enters the '25 campaign with a career 63.3 passing percentage with 195 TDs and 84 interceptions. He has also run for 4,142 yards (5.5-yard average) and 65 touchdowns. Allen completed 365-of-649 passes (56.2 per cent) for 5,066 yards with 44 TDs and 21 interceptions over 27 games at Wyoming. The 29-year-old California native also ran 237 times for 767 yards (3.2-yard average) with 12 TDs. 'The Josh Allen you see now is the Josh Allen I've always known,' Eberhardt said. 'His work ethic is probably what I'd credit his NFL success to and everything that's come with it. 'At the end of the day, the guy just wants to win and he's going to do anything and everything he can to do that. In college, he showed flashes of these crazy plays of hurdling someone or running around and making a ridiculous throw right on the money.' Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. Allen's humility is also something that endears him to his teammates, Eberhardt said. 'He's a great dude, on and off the field,' he said. 'Obviously his success in the NFL is awesome to see because he's such a great guy. 'And you can't help but root for people like that, you love to see it.' Eberhardt appeared in 42 games over five seasons (2017-21) at Wyoming — he redshirted in 2016. Eberhardt recorded 50 catches for 764 yards and two TDs while adding 14 special-teams tackles at the school and was named to the All-Mountain West Athletic team in his senior season. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 6, 2025.
