Saskatchewan Roughriders’ defensive back Loucheiz Purifoy is headed back to where it all began, coming to terms with the B.C. Lions ahead of the opening of CFL free agency.
The 29-year-old tweeted the news on his private Twitter account and has confirmed with 3DownNation. Purifoy cannot officially sign his deal until free agency opens on February 8.
Purifoy began his CFL career with the Lions, playing two seasons at strong-side linebacker from 2016-2017. Alongside Solomon Elimimian and Adam Bighill, he formed one of the most ferocious linebacking corps in the league, before going on to have success at cornerback and halfback in Ottawa and Saskatchewan respectively.
Purifoy played in 12 regular season games in 2021 making 39 tackles, three special teams stops and two interceptions. For his efforts, the 28-year-old earned the Riders Most Outstanding Defensive Player award.
The five-foot-11, 190-pound defender played all 18 games for Saskatchewan in 2019, recording 40 tackles, three interceptions, two sacks, and one forced fumble. He had 49 kick-off returns for a 24.5-yard average while leading the league in kick-off return yards with 1,201 yards and one touchdown.
The Florida product was released by the Ottawa Redblacks in August 2018 but found a new home with the Riders just one day later. He has since become a star in the team’s secondary.
Through six CFL seasons, the Florida native has registered 227 defensive tackles, 21 special teams tackles, 13 interceptions, seven quarterback sacks, six forced fumbles, and scored one touchdown in 83 regular season games.
