Abdeali Saherwala | Staff Writer
Featured image: Jane and Finch native receives award after accomplishing leadership in several youth programs. | Courtesy of Toronto Sun
Two weeks ago, Toronto Argonauts offensive lineman and York alumnus Jamal Campbell was the recipient of the Toronto Urban Hero Award in the Sports Category. Having been volunteering in his community on a consistent basis as a member of the Argos over the past year, he received an award that is dedicated to individuals who strive to celebrate community heroes for their inspiring work, leadership, and good deeds towards the city.
Those considered in the Sports Category are chosen for their tireless support of local athletes or sports groups, and who dedicate themselves to enhancing the lives of others through the joys of sport and active living.
From there, nominees are then judged on their lasting impact, their purpose as role models or inspiration for others, and the challenges they’ve overcome to influence their neighbourhood.
“It’s an honour to be recognized for my contributions to the neighbourhood that I love and call home,” said Campbell on the award. “I’m proud to say I’m from Jane and Finch, and I hope that my voice and the platform I’ve been given as a member of the Toronto Argonauts can continue to have a positive impact on younger generations.”
Campbell’s first opportunity to play football came at the age of 15, when he became one of the first participants in the Argos Level the Playing Field program at his old high school, C.W. Jefferys. As a native resident of Toronto and the Jane and Finch area, he has always had a strong connection to his roots.
Before he stepped on the gridiron, however, Campbell had a love for another sport in high school.
“Basketball was my first love,” he wrote in his Canadian Football League (CFL) feature article, “Crossroads.”
“Without the Argos’ Level the Playing Field program, I would have never found my way to the gridiron.
“The Argos were very supportive during those early stages of our program. They followed that assembly up with equipment for our team, tickets to see them play, and one-on-one coaching from their players.
“What I liked about football was that I could go out and hit someone without getting into trouble. For many of us, it was a chance to compete in a new environment and in a different way than basketball.”
After a successful high school run, bringing the attention of several university scouts across the province, Campbell was given the opportunity to represent his own neighbourhood on the gridiron, when York gave him a call presenting their interest.
“The fortuity at York was a unique one. They were in the process of recruiting a large class with the goal of rebuilding the program, and it presented me the chance to stay home,” Campbell said. “I was tired of hearing all the negative talk about Jane and Finch, and I saw this as my chance to make a change.”
It was in 2016 that Jamal was given the opportunity of a lifetime—a selection into the third round, 22nd overall—of the 2016 CFL draft by the Argonauts. He has played 20 games for the team since being drafted, including 12 in the current season.
Despite the rigorous schedule of being a professional football player, Campbell has remained involved in his community in a number of ways, such as a participation with after school programs, Boys and Girls clubs, and one-on-one mentorship with younger students. Programs he has worked on include flag football, Safe Contact Clinics, and Huddle Up. It is in these environments, such as the 10th anniversary of the Huddle Up program, where his inspirational story of uphill battle and commitment is shared with students in an attempt to raise awareness for bullying prevention.
“Jamal is an outstanding young man, and it comes as no surprise that he received this recognition,” stated Argonauts General Manager Jim Popp. “We’re proud to see our players make a difference in the communities in which they live and play.”
Despite growing up in a neighbourhood infamously known for its violence and crime, Campbell conquered those setbacks with the help of football, and is now giving back to his childhood community by guiding local children in how they can defy the odds as well.
“I grew up here and never left,” added Campbell. “This community has taught me lessons that I couldn’t have learned anywhere else, and I wouldn’t trade my experience for anything.”
