Canadian offensive lineman Nolan MacMillan will indeed be playing football for the Ottawa Redblacks in 2021, per sources.
Although there was an indication that MacMillan might follow centre Alex Mateas into retirement, the first pick in franchise history, and a stalwart on the offensive line, will be opening holes in the run game while helping protect quarterback Matt Nichols during the upcoming season.
The 30-year-old has been a mainstay at the right guard position since joining the Redblacks in 2014 and his veteran presence will go a long way towards stabilizing what is shaping up to a young group, especially as newer players find their way while replacing the departed Evan Johnson (Saskatchewan), Jason Lauzon-Séguin (Montreal) and Alex Mateas (retirement).
The six-foot-six, 294-pounder won a Grey Cup with Ottawa in 2016 and was named an East all-star after starting 14 games in 2019.
For fans in the nation’s capital, having MacMillan stick around bodes well not just for the on-field performance of the team, but also helps psychologically. R-Nation has watched a rash of retirements take place in recent weeks, with Jean-Philippe Bolduc, Danny Mason, Jalen Saunders, Dagogo Maxwell, Mickael Cote, Corey Tindal, Malcolm Willams, Gabriel Polan, Tanner Secord, Brad Sinopoli and Mateas all choosing to hang up their cleats.
