Monday night at the Canalta Hotel local residents had a great opportunity to say goodbye and perhaps say a thank you to former Saskatchewan Roughrider and fan favourite John Chick.

The two time Grey Cup champion was in Humboldt for a different reason than just being a football star willing to pose for a photo or sign an autograph, the 6' 4" defensive lineman is also a Type-1 Diabetic and wears a pump everyday to control his insulin intake.

Chick spoke during a Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation event simply sharing his story and experiences with the disease.

"Just kind of sharing my experiences with it so people can relate," he said after. "Hey, I'm not a superhero or anything like that, I went through this stuff all around. In the end, it's very tough but I know it made me the person I am today. It made me stronger in every sense to have to overcome something like that."

About 30 people attended the event. JDRF is an organization founded four decades ago that is the leading advocate to find a cure for Type-1 Diabetes.

Chick has been battling the disease since he was 14 but doesn't let it slow him down, on or off the field.

"When I was a kid there were people that I looked up to that encouraged me through the tough times. If I can do that through any way, shape or form and help these kids believe in themselves and know they can still accomplish their dreams, I'm all for it and love doing it."

Chick's visit comes a few months since fans were outraged at his release from the Riders along with Weston Dressler. However it's that passion that he admits will always keep Saskatchewan close to his heart.

"The Saskatchewan community is what being a Rider is all about, to be still part of that community and get to serve and give your time is something I will always love and cherish."

Chick expects to keep his partnership with the JDRF even though he has a new address in Hamilton with the Tiger-Cats. His partnership with the Foundation dates back to 2007, his first year with the green and white.

He won a Grey Cup in both his rookie year as well as 2013 when he returned to Ridernation just in time for their championship at Taylor Field.

You can hear more from Chick in his interview with Bolt FM's Andy Cohen below.