Sources: Redblacks sign American OL Phillip Norman

Photo courtesy: Steven Chang/B.C. Lions

The Ottawa Redblacks have American offensive lineman Phillip Norman, per sources.

The 28-year-old has spent the past five seasons as a member of the B.C. Lions, but missed the entirety of the 2023 season after suffering what the team called a “significant medical episode” on June 14. Norman collapsed during a pre-practice walkthrough and had to be revived by training staff before being rushed to the hospital. He was released five days later and eventually cleared to practice with the team, but remained on the six-game injured list as a precaution.

The six-foot-four, 314-pound blocker first joined the Lions in 2018 after graduating from Bethune-Cookman University. He has since dressed for 29 regular season games, starting all of them. He has lined up at guard, centre and tackle at various points in his CFL career.

The Redblacks will begin their 2024 season when they host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Thursday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

JC Abbott
J.C. Abbott is a University of British Columbia graduate and high school football coach. He covers the CFL, B.C. Lions, CFL Draft and the three-down league's Global initiative.