Bombers QB Zach Collaros and wife find balance between football and family life

Nicole Collaros switches on the Zoom chat, apologizing that husband Zach might join late.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback is trying to get their oldest daughter to sleep, but Sierra doesn't like the play call.

"This is our life," Nicole said with a laugh during the team's recent bye week. "We don't sleep, and it just seems to be getting worse. It's supposed to be getting better, but it's getting worse.

"Three [children] has been the game-changer. Two, we were good. And then three, it's like they all end up in bed with us at some point. It's like we play musical beds. It's wild."

Reluctant sleeper Sierra is 4½ years old. Daughter Capri turns three this month and son Dean is seven months.

It's a busy household similar to many families, but with the added intensity of a six-month stretch of long days as Zach focuses on helping the Blue Bombers get to a fifth consecutive Grey Cup game.

It hasn't been a typical season for the CFL team.

The Bombers started 0-4, went to 2-6, won eight straight and then lost to the Toronto Argonauts in a game that would have clinched first place in the West Division.

They only grabbed the top spot in the final regular-season game with a field goal as time expired for a 28-27 victory over the Montreal Alouettes.

Now, Winnipeg is hosting the division final against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday, with the winner advancing to the Grey Cup in B.C. on Nov. 17.

Despite such a roller-coaster season, Nicole said Zach remained even keel and didn't show added stress at home.

Her No. 1 concern after a game is his health.

"I'll say, 'Are you hurt?' He'll say, 'No' or 'I'm just a bit banged up,'" she said.

"[Sometimes] it's hard for him to get out of bed the next morning. That's very normal.