The Ottawa Redblacks have brought back electrifying kick returner DeVonte Dedmon, following a stint with the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.
The 26-year-old speedster broke out with Ottawa during the 2021 season, following a standout rookie campaign in 2019. He totalled 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.
The Williamsburg, Virginia native also chipped in on offence, with Dedmon hauling in 103 receiving yards, 68 rushing yards, and a touchdown.
“You know how you go to summer camp, and you meet new people,” said Dedmon in a statement. “Then the school year starts, and you are back with your Day 1 crew?”
“I’m back with my family.”
Dedmon signed with the Dolphins in January after working out for a number of teams including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Chargers, Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, and Chicago Bears. He played in the club’s first preseason games and recorded one kickoff return for 20 yards in a 26-24 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but was waived earlier this week for fumbling that opportunity.
The William & Mary product signed an extension with Ottawa through the 2022 season before leaving for the NFL and was required to honour that contract if no employment south of the border could be found.
“Devonte has proven himself to be a top player in our league who is always a threat with the ball in his hands,” said Redblacks head coach Paul LaPolice. “It’s exciting for the team to be able to add a player of his calibre to the roster and we’re happy to have him back in the mix.”
The Redblacks return to practice on Tuesday, August 23, as they prepare for Saturday’s visit to the Edmonton Elks at 7:00 p.m. ET.
