November 18, 1995|By Gary Lambrecht | Gary Lambrecht,SUN STAFF
What also motivates Flutie is answering the rare boos he hears. Flutie returned in the regular-season finale in Toronto to test the arm by running a few series. He looked fine. But in the playoff opener, a 30-13 victory over Hamilton, Flutie made horrendous decisions and threw four interceptions in the first half. The home crowd responded.
"That was tough on Doug," Calgary guard Bob Pandelidis said. "He's done so much for this league, this city and this team. But this business is all about what have you done for me lately."
Flutie returned last week and was brilliant in a 37-4 trouncing of rival Edmonton, throwing two touchdown passes and running for another. The Stampeders were headed to their second Grey Cup in four seasons under his wing.
Flutie would like nothing more than to add another title to his resume. But he said those two months away from the game got him to thinking about the mortality of football players, and the fleeting nature of so many careers. The time away made him appreciate the fact that he has other interests, such as broadcasting, that will occupy his time after he is done with the game.
"It makes you think about how much longer you want to play," Flutie said. "I'm fortunate to have other options. I like to play because I enjoy it. Those three series against Toronto reinforced that. The day I'm not enjoying it, I won't hesitate to walk away."
