The 2024 CFL season has begun later than expected for DeVontres (Tre) Odoms-Dukes. The Calgary Stampeders kicked off their season with a 32-24 home win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Friday night, but Odoms-Dukes, 26, could only watch from the sidelines after being placed on the injured list.
To make his return for Saturday night’s game at B.C. Place Stadium against the B.C. Lions, the third-year receiver knows the key is to work harder.
“There are many things you can control and many things you can’t,” Odoms-Dukes said. “Friday night was out of my control, but what I can control are my attitude, my work ethic, my character, and how I treat and speak to people. Many would be upset and mad, but I don’t think that’s good at all. All I can do is control what I can control.”
Standing at six-foot-three and weighing 223 pounds, Odoms-Dukes registered a career-best 60 catches for 686 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games last season. He also made a 47-yard reception in Calgary’s 41-30 West Division semifinal loss to B.C.
In 2022, Odoms-Dukes had 11 catches for 112 yards and a TD in four starts. He signed with Calgary after spending time with the NFL’s Denver Broncos following his collegiate career at South Florida.
“I felt last year I did an OK job, but I don’t think I played to my ability or potential,” Odoms-Dukes said. “But they kept me and still have me here, so I guess that means I didn’t play terrible. The biggest thing I learned last year was availability is the best ability.”
Following Calgary’s playoff exit, Odoms-Dukes prioritized improving his mental approach to football. This work has helped him put early-season adversity into perspective, though he isn’t using it as extra motivation this week.
“I don’t really like using outside factors to motivate me because I feel motivation should come from within,” he said. “You’ve got to want to do it yourself and not just because of the circumstances you’re in. I’ve always pushed myself because it’s a battle, it’s me versus me. Football is very physical, but it’s really a mental game all 18 weeks, and if you’re not mentally locked in, it can be overwhelming.”
Calgary (6-12) finished third in the West and made the playoffs for an 18th consecutive season. However, the losing record was the franchise’s first since 2007.
“Of course, everybody has standards and it’s either you hit them or you don’t,” Odoms-Dukes said. “But once you get to the playoffs, everyone is 0-0, and it’s time to go get it. We got into the playoffs last year, that was just a little taste. Now it’s time to win the whole thing, honestly. That’s all we’ve been talking about since the end of last year.”
Odoms-Dukes is represented by Kenny Kim of Summit Athletes. The Florida-based agent said their relationship is unique.
“We’re from the same hometown, so representing a local athlete and sharing in his successes on and off the field is very special to me,” Kim said. “Tre is very humble, hard-working, and big-bodied. I believe he has the potential to be one of the league’s best receivers.”
Upon joining Calgary, Odoms-Dukes initially spent time getting acclimated to Canadian football but quickly realized the game is ideally suited for offense.
“I love it all,” he said. “It’s difficult to defend a six-foot-three, 225-pound receiver running at you with a 10-yard start, and then you’ve got someone like Jake (Calgary starter Jake Maier) who can throw 60-to-70 yards down the field. At first, the waggle threw me off, but I practiced it and adapted quickly. It’s pretty much the same game, just with a few more advantages.”
When Odoms-Dukes has a CFL query, he leans on fellow receiver Reggie Begelton. The two-time league all-star is in his seventh season with Calgary and is also represented by Kim.
“I’m a pretty easy person to talk to, so Reggie and I got along as soon as I got here,” Odoms-Dukes said. “I’d say he’s taken me under his wing because he most definitely helps me out when it comes to routes and stuff like that.”
