What's the main difference between the NFL and the CFL?

In the NFL, we do things in the community, but it definitely comes second. When I met with the owners of the Argos, almost the first thing that came out of their mouths was the community. Part of their mission statement is to offer positive role models.

Were you familiar with Toronto before this deal came together?

I knew Toronto existed. I mean, I’d seen it on a map. But I have a lot of friends who said great things about Canada, so I always told myself that I’d make it here.

What’s your impression so far?

People are more open. When they ask me to sign autographs, they’re always smiling and happy and talking about their kids—it’s like you’re a real person. Whereas in the States, they come and they scream that they want your autograph; you give it to them and they turn and walk away. Here, people value people. They value relationships.

A few years ago, you went to India to do some soul searching. What’s your current state of mind?

Most people—and I was one of them—think that happiness exists externally, that they need a bigger house or a nicer car. But now I realize that isn’t true. Now I’m looking in the right place—I’m looking inside myself.

Do you still practise Ayurveda?

Well, Ayurveda led me to yoga. And people don’t really know what yoga is. It’s literally a scientific method of finding happiness. And so now I’m a little scientist and I’m doing my experiments and trying to find happiness.

Is there a place you go to practise here?

There’s a place called the Siva­nanda Yoga Vedanta Centre on Harbord. The guy who runs it was my teacher in India. Once my schedule is more tied down, I’ll try to teach there twice a week.

Do you have a role model?

Muhammad Ali spoke out about what he believed in. Athletes today don’t have that kind of impact. They usually don’t use their fame for anything but themselves. When you do things for other people, it lasts forever.

What’s your favourite kind of food?

As a vegetarian, I tend toward Indian or Thai.

You’re going to have to visit Little India.

That’s probably my favourite thing about Toronto: the large Indian community. It’s nice to have that energy, because I have a special connection with India.

I understand you’re expecting another child. Any chance the baby will be born here?

Definitely. The baby will be born in Toronto. I’ll have a Canadian child. That’ll be interesting.