"You wish everyone could have such a special moment": Testimonials from a CFL Champion – Edmonton

Being a Gray Cup champion is the dream of every CFL player.

A man has had a career in the CFL, from player to champion and finally to the CFL.

Randy Ambrosie, 14th Commissioner of the CFL, spent five years as Edmonton's Eskimo and said he could not think of a time when he would have felt happier to be part of a team.

Look below: Edmonton welcomes football fans from one ocean to another and on Wednesday, the festivities of the Gray Cup of the CFL have begun. Margeaux Maron offers more fun activities for the family on Jasper Avenue, as well as indoor parties.

"This is without a doubt the biggest pride of my life in the sport," said Ambrosie. "The way my family was treated, two of my three daughters were born in Edmonton. We just have a love of this city that will never leave. "

LISTEN LOWER: Randy Ambrosie tells stories from his time as Edmonton Eskimo

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He recounted that he remembered his time with the team, including the first day he had entered the lodge with Hugh Campbell, the head coach at the time.

Another memorable moment for Ambrosie was when the team broke its losing streak.

"For me, it was a very interesting time. It was my ninth year. I injured my knee for the fifth time. It was planned to have me operated afterwards, "said Ambrosie. "I think I knew it was time to move on, so there were all those strange forces at the time. My emotions beat for sure.

The team defeated Calgary in the 1993 West finals in the middle of a snowstorm.

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"After sitting in the lodge and knowing that I would have the chance to go to the Gray Cup, probably for the last time. Then, leaving Calgary a week later, he was champion of the Gray Cup. It's a bit indescribable.

Ambrosie said that his wife, brothers and father, who have since died, were all present to share this moment. His mother, whom he called a nervous fan, was looking from her home.

"You cover the whole spectrum of emotions. The only thing I remember so well from this match, is to be sidelined during the pre-match ceremony, "he said. "The national anthem was playing and the jets were flying over it. Tears ran down my cheeks … then they hit the balloon and all of a sudden you are back to business. "

Ambrosie said it was an experience he would never forget.

"You almost want everyone in their life to have such a special moment."

Ambrosie said he liked his time as a player, but he did not fail to be on the pitch.

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"I'm standing next to some of these guys and I'm grateful not to play. They are just huge. There is no doubt in my mind that they are better athletes than I have ever been, "laughed Ambrosie.

Ambrosie left football to pursue a career in the financial services sector. He later sold his business and saw himself offered the position of Commissioner of the CFL.

"We had a family reunion. The girls looked at me and said, "It's the perfect job for you!"

He said that he feels lucky to have the experience of being a player as well as the 14th Commissioner of the CFL.

"[Being a player as well as a commissioner has] only happened a few times in our very long history. For me, it was a great trip back.