CFL: Blue Bombers QB Zach Collaros finds balance between football and home life

Life in the Collaros Household: Juggling Family and Football

WINNIPEG – Nicole Collaros opens up the Zoom chat, anticipating her husband, Zach, might join in a bit late. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback is currently occupied with putting their oldest daughter, Sierra, to sleep, a task that seems to be more challenging than usual.

“This is our life,” Nicole chuckles, reflecting on their hectic schedule during the team’s recent bye week. “We don’t sleep, and it just seems to be getting worse. It’s supposed to be getting better, but it’s getting worse. Three kids has been the game-changer. Two, we were good. And then three, it’s like they all end up in bed with us at some point. It’s like we play musical beds. It’s wild.”

Sierra, their reluctant sleeper, is four-and-a-half years old. Capri, their daughter, turns three this month, and Dean, their son, is seven months old. With a household full of young children, the Collaros family navigates through the chaos of daily life while Zach focuses on leading the Blue Bombers to a fifth consecutive Grey Cup appearance.

The CFL season has been anything but typical for the Bombers. Starting off with a rough 0-4 record, they went on to win eight straight games, only to lose a crucial match against the Toronto Argonauts. However, they secured the top spot in the West Division in the final regular-season game against the Montreal Alouettes with a last-second field goal.

Now, the spotlight is on Winnipeg as they prepare to host the division final against their rival, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, with a chance to advance to the Grey Cup in B.C. on Nov. 17.

Despite the team’s roller-coaster season, Nicole mentions that Zach has remained calm and composed, not showing any signs of added stress at home. Her main concern after a game is always Zach’s well-being.

“I’ll ask, ‘Are you hurt?'” she explains. “He’ll say, ‘No’ or ‘I’m just a bit banged up.’ It’s hard for him to get out of bed the next morning. That’s very normal. It sounds crazy, but it’s normal in football life.”

Nicole also highlights the support system among the players’ spouses and girlfriends, who come together to share their experiences and concerns. Despite the early struggles of the team, they all believed in the players’ ability to turn things around.

Becoming a father has significantly influenced how Zach handles the highs and lows of professional sports. Nicole recalls how his perspective and reactions have evolved since the birth of their children.

“I truly think having the kids and a family changed the way he looks at things,” she says. “We laugh because I said, ‘If this was a game in 2015, 2016, you would have lost it.’ I think having the kids and a family changed the way he looks at things.”

Zach’s daily routine involves long hours at the stadium for practice, but he always makes time for family dinners and bedtime rituals with his children. Despite the demanding schedule, he tries to attend his daughters’ sports activities and spend quality time with his family on off days.

Reflecting on the challenges and uncertainties of the season, Zach emphasizes the importance of relying on the team’s foundation and staying focused on the end goal. Nicole, being a pillar of strength and support, plays a crucial role in helping him perform at his best.

“During the week, my wife carries the brunt of our family’s life and is really the captain at home,” Zach acknowledges. “When I walk in the door, any worry or stress I had at work falls off. You get into dad mode. You’ve got your job and you do your job, but once you get home, your second job starts.”

The Collaros family’s journey through the ups and downs of football and parenthood is a testament to their resilience and unity. As they prepare for the upcoming division final, they cherish the moments of togetherness and support that define their unique blend of family and football life.

This article was adapted and reimagined for WordPress from a report by The Canadian Press published on Nov. 6, 2024.