The internet is coming together to help BC Lions player find a home to rent in Vancouver

Jul 4 2018, 5:14 am

Ask anyone that rents in Vancouver and they’ll tell you, it’s not always easy to find a place to live.

That’s true for professional athletes, too.

BC Lions offensive lineman Jovan Olafioye, a six-time CFL All-Star, recently turned to social media for help finding a place to live.

Olafioye, who earned more than $200,000 when he was cut by the Lions after the 2016 season, returned to BC after spending last year in Montreal. So the 6-foot-6, 325-pound lineman is no stranger to the real estate market in the Lower Mainland.

Olafioye’s tweet caught the attention of a number of people, with television and radio interviews following.

“Surrey or New West,” said Olafioye of where he prefers to live in an interview with James Cybulski and Perry Solkowski on Sportsnet 650. “Somewhere as close to a SkyTrain as possible. It’s more convenient for me, so when I’m going to practice (at the team’s Surrey practice facility), my fiance can take the car with the kids. Even downtown, if that’s possible. Anything that’s available.”

He’s not picky.

ā€œI can throw in seasonā€™s tickets. I can throw in some swag. Just help me out.ā€

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Olafioye is without his fiance and two kids – a four-year-old daughter and an eight-month-old son – until he finds a place for them.

Part of the problem is that Olafioye doesn’t live in Vancouver year-round. That means he’s looking for a six-month lease, while most landlords are searching for long-term commitments.

The 30-year-old says he doesn’t have pets, isn’t a smoker, and won’t throw parties – so he profiles as an ideal tenant.

Perhaps Olafioye’s luck is about to change though, as a number of people have reached out to him about places they have for rent.

The Lions won their season-opener at home on June 16, but are 1-1 after dropping their first game after the bye week. BC is now preparing for a home-and-home against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, beginning on the road this Saturday.

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