Drew Tate has TD passes in his last two CFL games

Former University of Iowa quarterback Drew Tate has stood and waited in his four-year Canadian Football League career.

He has gone from fighting for a roster spot to third-team to second-team, which is where he currently stands with the Calgary Stampeders. The Stamps have a veteran QB they love and trust in 35-year-old Henry Burris. What can you do?

But Tate got his first pro touchdown pass on Aug. 8 in Calgary's 27-22 win over the B.C. Lions. And as this Toronto Sun story tells us, he didn't want the football afterward.

“I told them I didn't want it. I always thought about it - if I was ever in this position - and decided I don't want it. I want more. I don't mean that in an arrogant way or anything like that, just I want a lot more.

“And later in life, it's just less stuff I have to carry around when I move. I've got a lot of stuff from college I have to carry around, so it's a case of less is more.”

So the following week, Tate threw another TD pass for the 6-1 Stamps in their 56-15 demolition of the Edmonton Eskimos, and also ran for a touchdown. He has seven pass attempts this season, six completions, and two touchdowns.

Tate's primary role is to spell Burris in short-yardage situations. CFL quarterbacks need to be mobile, and Tate has a 40-yard rush this season. From the Star:

Tate doesn't mind taking some shots for Burris, either.

 “That's cool,” Tate said. “At least I wake up the next morning and felt like I did something. The body is hurting now."