There aren't many similarities between Henry Burris and Roger Federer. Federer is perhaps the best to ever play his sport, while the same cannot be said about Burris. Federer is a record-breaking phenom who will leave his sport as the most statistically-accomplished player of all-time. Burris, not so much.

The list of differences go on and on. But hear me out. At the 2009 French Open, Roger Federer took home his first title at Roland Garros to complete the career Grand Slam and tie Pete Sampras' record for all-time major titles. Since that victory, Federer's play has been described by those in tennis as "loose," "relaxed," and "confident."

After winning the Grey Cup last season and finally earning a championship ring, in which he was the heart and soul of the offence, it seems as though a massive weight has been lifted from the shoulders of the Stamps' gunslinger. In fact, he'd probably tell you that himself. The Grey Cup title completes things for Burris. Sure he won one in 1998, but he was just a snot-nosed kid standing on the sideline back then.

So what does this mean for Burris and his future? Well, only time will tell, but in the meantime, the Stamps seem pretty sure the future is bright. The 34-year-old just signed a four-year contract extension, and will now be under centre in Calgary until 2012.
 
There is often a concern in professional sports that a after reaching a milestone accomplishment, a player struggles to maintain the same motivation and drive and, as a result, end their careers on a downhill slide. There's also the other end of the spectrum. Let's call it, the Federer-effect. That is, instead of falling into complacency, the athlete's performance actually improves with the so-called "pressure" off. 

There's something to be said for an athlete who plays free, relaxed, and with a clear state of mind. I am by no means a sports psychologist, but this much I know: Burris still has the hunger to win. He already has great chemistry with the solid group of returning players in his offensive huddle. At this point in his career there's no defence he hasn't already seen. And with a brand new contract in front of him, job security is not an issue.

None of these things guarantee a straight-sets victory and return to the Grey Cup, but they certainly make an early-round exit seem highly unlikely for the Stamps.