February 14th, 2023: "REDBLACKS sign American defensive back Cariel Brooks"

This move actually took place a couple of hours prior to the start of the free agency period as Brooks had been released by Hamilton a few days prior. 

The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced, today, that they have signed free agent American defensive back Cariel Brooks to one-year contract.

Brooks, 31, is a veteran of five CFL seasons, all of which have been spent with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The Miami, Florida product suited up in 12 games during the 2022 season, recording 35 tackles, and six pass knockdowns. 

Across his career, Brooks has appeared in 70 CFL games, notching 207 total tackles, two sacks, 12 interceptions, and four forced fumbles, helping the Ti-Cats to Grey Cup appearances in 2019, and 2021. He was named a CFL East All-Star in 2018, and a CFL All-Star in 2021. 

Upon graduating from the Adams State program, Brooks signed with the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2015, before moving on to the Toronto Argonauts practice squad in 2017, and eventually to Hamilton, that season.

I continue to appreciate that General Manager Shawn Burke is not intimidated by a player's age. It doesn't always work out; he signed one or two players last year that were clearly past their best-before date. Brooks will be 32 before camp starts but having been named an Eastern All-Star as recently as the 2021, hopefully still has a little gas in the tank.

February 9th, 2023: "Original REDBLACK Antoine Pruneau announces retirement"

PRESS RELEASE - Original Ottawa REDBLACK Antoine Pruneau is calling it a career, today, announcing his retirement after a decorated eight-season CFL career.

"Antoine Pruneau is synonymous with REDBLACKS football," said Head Coach Bob Dyce. "The passion he brought to the field was unmatched. He took great pride in wearing the “R” and it was evident in his leadership and play. I know he will bring the same energy to the next chapter of his career. We thank him and wish he and his family nothing but the best."

A product of Laval, Québec, Pruneau played his collegiate football at the University of Montreal, before being drafted fourth overall by the REDBLACKS in 2014. His rookie campaign saw him record 79 total tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble, earning CFL Rookie of the Month honours for October. He helped the REDBLACKS to Grey Cup appearances in 2015, and 2018, as well as their first championship victory in 2016.

"Antoine Pruneau has shown remarkable leadership and dedication to this organization which will be tough to replace," said REDBLACKS General Manager Shawn Burke. "We congratulate him on a job well done, a great career and wish him all the best in what comes next. He will always be a REDBLACK."

The 33-year-old Pruneau ends his CFL career as the REDBLACKS' all-time leader in games played (122), and total tackles (448), to go with 10 interceptions, four sacks, and four forced fumbles.

"Antoine personifies what it means to be a REDBLACK," said OSEG CEO Mark Goudie. "He left everything he had on the field, played through broken bones and helped bring a Grey Cup back to this city. But his contributions extended far beyond his play; he has been a leader in the community, the self-proclaimed leader of the French Mafia and a key piece in ushering along the next era of talented REDBLACKS players. Thank you, Antoine, on behalf of the REDBLACKS, OSEG and everyone who loves this game in Ottawa."

Away from the field, Pruneau long ago cemented his status as a fan favourite in the community. From working with local university football players, to guest coaching youth football, and acting as an all-around ambassador for the team in the Ottawa-Gatineau community, Pruneau's impact will remain an unforgettable part of REDBLACKS history. 

A statement from Antoine Pruneau:

"I had the best job in the world and I will forever be grateful to the people that accompanied me during this journey! 

To RNation: Thank you for your unconditional support throughout my career. Through the great moments and the tougher ones, you were incredible towards me and I will never forget this moment spent at your side. 

To my coaches: Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for the countless hours. Mostly, thank you for all the conversations that led me to be a better man. You were all great mentors! 

To my teammates: Thank you for being so inspirational. I am going to miss our time on the field but I'll miss the time away from the game with you all even more. FrenchMafia! Thank you for all the fun, all the jokes, all the wild times. Details on a succession plan to come. 

To my family and friends: I truly believe that I am surrounded by the best people. You have been by my side from the very beginning and the influence you have had on me has allowed me to live my dream for nine beautiful years. I love you."

REDBLACKS Re-signings, Week of Feb 6th to 10th.

Playing catch-up again. I admit that I find it difficult to maintain interest in this team these days so I've kind of let this slide. Seeing all the same faces resurface after yet another miserable reason is not spiking my excitement for 2023.

I do see the reasoning behind bringing back Arbuckle, however. His re-signing was a mild surprise as he's been seeking that elusive regular starting spot for some time now. I believe this confirms that he's now firmly involved in this team's "succession planning" at the position.

February 6th - The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced, today, that they have signed American quarterback Nick Arbuckle to a one-year contract extension.

Arbuckle, 29, was acquired by the REDBLACKS via trade for the second time in his career, on July 11, 2022, from the Edmonton Elks. The Oxnard, California native suited up in 12 games for Ottawa, throwing for a career-high 2,400 yards on 308 pass attempts, along with four touchdowns, leading the REDBLACKS to three of their four wins in 2022. Arbuckle also rushed for 65 yards, and a pair of touchdowns on 12 carries.

"Nick is a five-year veteran of our league and we're pleased he and his family have decided to stay in Ottawa with the REDBLACKS," said General Manager Shawn Burke. "We're excited to head into the 2023 season with two quarterbacks with significant experience in the CFL game."

Arriving to the CFL by way of signing with the Calgary Stampeders in 2017, Arbuckle was dealt to the REDBLACKS in 2020, but following the COVID-cancelled season, moved on to the Toronto Argonauts. He was traded to Edmonton on October 26, 2021.

February 7th - The Ottawa REDBLACKS have re-signed American defensive lineman Praise Martin-Oguike through the 2023 CFL season, the team announced today.

Martin-Oguike, 29, appeared in his second CFL season in 2022, both of which have been with the REDBLACKS. A product of Abia State, Nigeria, who grew up in Woodbridge, New Jersey, Martin-Oguike was limited to nine games by injury, this season, but still recorded 12 tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble.

Following stints with the NFL's Miami Dolphins, and Arizona Cardinals, as well as with the XFL's Seattle Dragons, and the Blues of The Spring League, Martin-Oguike signed with the REDBLACKS on June 4, 2021.

A Big Ol' Bunch of Redblacks Re-Signings!

The Drew Desjarlais signing was a big one but the team also brought back a number of players prior to it and since. We'll look at a few of those now.

January 23rd, 2023 - The Ottawa REDBLACKS...have re-signed national fullback Anthony Gosselin to a one-year deal.

“Hey RNation, I’m very excited to be back with the REDBLACKS,” said Gosselin. “I can't wait to get back on the field in front of our fans and get to work again with Coach Dyce and the rest of the team.”

Gosselin, 30, is heading into his sixth CFL season, all with the REDBLACKS. The Otterburn, Quebec native has long been a fixture in Ottawa's blocking schemes, as well as on Head Coach Bob Dyce's special teams units, recording 11 total tackles in 59 career games in the CFL. Gosselin has also notched 77 receiving yards on 13 career receptions.

The REDBLACKS selected Gosselin in the second round, 18th overall, in the 2017 CFL Draft.

January 27th, 2023 - The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced the re-signing of American linebacker Frankie Griffin.

Griffin, 27, returned to the REDBLACKS for his second CFL season in 2022, suiting up in eight games, and recording a career high 35 total tackles. A native of Spring, Texas, Griffin first signed with Ottawa on January 28, 2021.

Linebacker Patrick Nelson was also included in this announcement. He had been released in mid-November, presumably to take a stab at a job in the States. He turned 26 in October, played in five games, notching three tackles on defense and two on special teams. 

January 31st, 2023 - The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced today that they have re-signed American defensive back Money Hunter to a one-year contract.

Hunter, 27, was limited to 12 games in his first season with the REDBLACKS, but made the most of his time on the field. The Prosper, Texas native recorded 38 tackles, and a career high four interceptions, including two against the BC Lions in Week 4.

This was Hunter's fourth CFL season, first signing with Edmonton on February 6, 2018, and spending the 2018 and 2019 seasons there. The product of Arkansas State moved on to the Montreal Alouettes for the 2021 campaign, earning East All-Star honours, and joined the REDBLACKS via free agency on February 9, 2022.

February 1st, 2023 - The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced today that they have re-signed American defensive backs Brandin Dandridge, and Damon Webb, through the 2023 CFL season.

Dandridge, 26, has appeared with the REDBLACKS through the 2019, 2021, and 2022 seasons. After a breakout 2021 campaign, he spent time with the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs in 2022, before returning to Ottawa. In six appearances, this season, the Lee's Summit, Missouri native posted a career high 14 tackles, and two forced fumbles, one of which he ran back for his first CFL touchdown.

Webb, 27, began the 2022 CFL season with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and appeared in two games before joining the REDBLACKS. The Detroit, Michigan, native played in nine games with Ottawa, recording a career-high 35 tackles altogether, and an interception against the Toronto Argonauts in Week 14.

February 2nd, 2023 - The Ottawa REDBLACKS have signed national receiver Tevaun Smith to a one-year contract extension, the team announced today.

Smith, 30, battled through injury in 2022, appearing in eight games, altogether. The Toronto, Ontario native hauled in 14 passes for 142 yards, 32 YAC, and a pair of touchdowns.

Drafted eighth overall by Edmonton in 2016, Smith spent time with the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, Oakland Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars, before making the jump to the CFL in 2019. After racking up 956 receiving yards, and six touchdowns through 2019, and 2021, Smith was released by the Elks, and signed with the REDBLACKS on May 21, 2022. 

I keep my own version of the roster. For one thing, the team is not particularly meticulous with theirs. Updates can be long in coming. Also, I add things like contract length out of interest, just to know what to expect come free agency.

I count 68 players at the moment. Of those, 44 were on the 2022 team. That doesn't include players like Dustin Crum who signed to the practice roster last year but did not see any playing time. 

That seems like a high level of retention for a team that went 4-14 and winless at home.

You don't need to start from scratch, obviously; it would have idiotic to not re-sign Lorenzo Mauldin, Devonte Demon and/or Money Hunter, given the opportunity. It's been established that these guys are indeed quality players. But 19 free agents have been brought back to this point. I find that total staggering and, frankly, discouraging.

That said, a few of those guys should be larger contributors in 2023, injuries notwithstanding. Dedmon, Webb and Dandridge were added late in the season and now are expected to be around for the bulk of it. Receiver Justin Hardy was inexplicably left off the roster as a healthy scratch following his return from injury, which border on criminal negligence, football edition. Hopefully the current coaching staff has enough sense to see what they have in that guy.

Bring on free agency and the draft. I'm dying for more new faces. 

January 30th, 2023: REDBLACKS sign All-Star national OL Drew Desjarlais

This was a hell of a way to start the week.

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS have signed former CFL West All-Star, and two-time Grey Cup Champion, national OL Drew Desjarlais to a two-year contract, the team announced today.

"I am extremely excited to join the Ottawa REDBLACKS, and to start playing at TD Place in front of the dedicated fans," said Desjarlais. "I’m looking forward to working alongside a great group of teammates, and after speaking with Coach Dyce, Shawn Burke, Coach Charbonneau and Coach Jones, it was clear that there is a great plan for this team and I wanted to be a part of it."

Desjarlais, 25, returns to the CFL for the first time since the 108th Grey Cup, after spending time with the NFL's New England Patriots, and New Orleans Saints during the 2022 season. The Belle River, Ontario product helped the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to Grey Cup championships in both the 2019, and 2021 seasons. Desjarlais started in all but eight games during his rookie season, and every game of his second.

Drafted fourth overall by the Blue Bombers, out of Windsor, in 2019, Desjarlais was named a CFL West All-Star in 2021.

"We believe in building our team in the trenches and bringing in Drew Desjarlais underscores that philosophy," said REDBLACKS General Manager Shawn Burke. "Drew is an all-star calibre guard who will add skill, strength and youth to our offensive line. We thank Drew for his belief in our program and we're excited that he's chosen to make Ottawa home."

Desjarlais was said to instantly be the highest-paid offensive lineman in the league as a result of this contract. We'll see if that holds up beyond the free agency period, however. The following was written by Tim Baines for Postmedia.

...it’s believed six teams got into a bidding war. On Monday, it was announced the Ottawa Redblacks had signed Desjarlais to a two-year deal, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the CFL. He will make $250,500 in guaranteed money this season (with another $6,000 if he is named an all-star) and will make $260,000 (with another $6,000 if he’s an all-star) in 2024. It’s believed at least one other team offered more money than the Redblacks.

January 18th: REDBLACKS re-sign Defensive MOP Lorenzo Mauldin IV

This one came as a mild surprise. Mauldin had said that he planned to evaluate all options going into free agency. Presumably that included waiting until the "legal tampering" period before free agency hit to see what other CFL clubs might offer.

Evidently the REDBLACKS offer was too good to pass up, even if it's for just one year. Most of the club's re-signings have been for two seasons.

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS have re-signed the CFL's reigning Most Outstanding Defensive Player, inking defensive lineman Lorenzo Mauldin IV to a one-year deal, the team announced today.

“What’s good Ottawa! It was such a pleasure playing for the REDBLACKS in 2022 and I happen to love you all so much that I wanted to do it again in 2023!," said Mauldin. "My family and I are excited to keeping calling Ottawa home next season. Thanks for the love, RNation!"

Mauldin, 30, took the league by storm in his first season with the REDBLACKS, after arriving from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats via free agency. The Sacramento, California native set a REDBLACKS single season record, with a CFL-leading 17 sacks in 2022, also recording 43 tackles, and a pair of forced fumbles, appearing in all 18 games. 

 “Lorenzo Mauldin is a player who gives everything he can every time he hits the field and is someone you don’t want to be playing against,” said REDBLACKS General Manager Shawn Burke. “He was last year’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player for a reason and we’re excited to see him take the next step in his career as a REDBLACK.”

Named to the 2022 CFL All-Star team, Mauldin became just the second player in Ottawa franchise history to earn Most Outstanding Defensive Player honours, and first since Greg Marshall in 1983.

After a stint in the NFL, Mauldin joined the Ti-Cats in 2019. He appeared in 17 games across the 2019, and 2021 seasons, recording 25 total tackles, four sacks, and a forced fumble.

January 13th, 2023: Brendan Gillanders Announces Retirement

OTTAWA - Ottawa REDBLACKS running back Brendan Gillanders has announced his retirement from professional football, after eight Canadian Football League seasons.

"When I started playing football here in Ottawa at the age of 10, I never dreamt I would one day play in two Grey Cups, and help bring one home to family, friends and our amazing fanbase. My family and I are sincerely thankful to the REDBLACKS organization, and all of the wonderful people working at OSEG, and the OSEG Foundation," said Gillanders. "As hard as it is to walk away from playing professional football, it is much harder to leave the amazing people in our locker room and facility. Finally, as the newest member of RNation, I could not be any more excited to watch Coach Dyce lead the REDBLACKS into the 2023 season, as they work towards another Grey Cup."

Born in Orleans, Gillanders played his collegiate football at the University of Ottawa, before signing with the Toronto Argonauts on December 18, 2013. He spent two seasons in Toronto, before inking a contract with his hometown REDBLACKS on February 9, 2016. Gillanders helped Ottawa to their first Grey Cup victory in 2016, and another appearance in 2018, as a fixture on Bob Dyce's special teams units.

"I honestly believe if something had ever happened to me, Brendan Gillanders could have played and coached our special teams unit at the same time," said Head Coach Bob Dyce. "I’m not sure I’ve had a player prepare with the professionalism and detail that Brendan did in my seven years in Ottawa. Gilly set the standard high for himself and his teammates and we will miss him immensely. We wish him and his family all the best as they embark on this next step."

All told, Gillanders wraps up his CFL career having appeared in 114 regular season games, rushing for 302 yards on 66 carries, and racking up 344 yards on 39 receptions. On special teams, he recorded 63 tackles, and a forced fumble. 

Off the field, Gillanders has been a mainstay in the Ottawa community, regularly teaming up with the OSEG Foundation and participating in events throughout the city. His work in the community and his passion for the game led to Gillanders being named the REDBLACKS nominee for the Jake Gaudaur Veteran's Award in 2022.

Nov. 1st, 1969: Ottawa Sooners 33, Windsor AKO Fratmen 00

The game summary below appeared in the November 3rd, 1969, Ottawa Citizen. Its wonky layout made it awkward to fit on the Sooners' own page.   

Turns out they had plenty of trouble with the west, they lost 28-07 to Saskatoon two weeks later in the national championship game.

January 3rd, 2023: "DeVonte Dedmon returns to REDBLACKS for two more years"

Thought this might be the first of a number of signings but things dried up after this one. No big deal, if you're going to announce one re-signing all week, this is a good one.

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS are bringing back receiver and return specialist DeVonte Dedmon for two more years, the club announced Tuesday. 

"There’s nowhere else I’d rather be. This is home," said Dedmon. "I’m excited to be back with my teammates and to have the opportunity to learn from this great coaching staff. I believe in this group. This is my family."

Dedmon, 26, broke out with Ottawa during the 2021 season, following a standout rookie campaign in 2019. He totaled 2,841 return yards, and with three touchdowns, became the fastest player in CFL history to record five return touchdowns in his career. For his efforts, Dedmon was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Special Teams Player, along with earning CFL All-Star honours. He rejoined the REDBLACKS during the 2022 season after pursuing an NFL opportunity with the Miami Dolphins. 

In 22 career CFL games, Dedmon has returned 83 punts for 1,250 yards and three touchdowns, along with 73 kick returns for 1,947 yards and two touchdowns. Offensively, Dedmon has caught 23 of 26 passes for 219 yards, 148 of those coming after the catch. 

I wonder now if the slower pace means the team is comfortable lettings most of the remaining 20-something free agents walk, or at least test free agency next month. There are still a couple of free-agents-to-be I'd like to see return (Lorenzo Mauldin IV is an obvious one) but a team that goes winless at home and has 10 wins over three seasons needs some change.

January 1st, 1937: "Fr. Wm. J. Stanton Dies In Crash Near Chatham"

Father William Stanton, long-time coach of several sports at the University of Ottawa in the early 1900s, died in a car accident on new year's day of 1937.

The snippets below are from the evening edition of the January 2nd, 1937, Ottawa Citizen. The Citizen combined reports from the Associated Press, Canadian Press and other sources, which caused the article to be a little disjointed and repetitive. I've chopped out the parts that are more relevant to his football contributions. 

Not mentioned above is that Father Stanton coached the Ottawa Combines team of 1913, a fusion of Ottawa city team (the Rough Riders) and the university of Ottawa club.