The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have brought back Canadian defensive back Tyrell Ford following a stint in the NFL.
The 25-year-old signed with the Green Bay Packers in January 2023 after working out for six NFL teams, though he was waived at the conclusion of training camp. He remained a free agent for the rest of the 2023 season with the hope of garnering another NFL opportunity but went unsigned.
Ford was selected by the Blue Bombers with a second-round pick in the 2022 CFL Draft out of the University of Waterloo. He recorded three defensive tackles, three knockdowns, and 10 special teams tackles over 18 regular season games as a rookie, making one start at field-side cornerback. He was released from his three-year contract in order to sign with the Packers but has now returned under the final year of his rookie deal.
The five-foot-eleven, 188-pound cover man was a standout at the University at Buffalo pro day in March 2022, recording a 4.44-second 40-yard dash, 36.5-inch vertical, 126-inch broad jump, and 17 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. He also attended the CFL Combine where he ran a 4.42-second forty-yard dash, 7.03-second three-cone drill, and 4.27-second shuttle.
The native of Niagara Falls, Ont. was a three-time OUA all-star and two-time second-team All-Canadian while playing for the Waterloo Warriors in U Sports. He made 72 defensive tackles, six interceptions, and 20 knockdowns over the course of his career along with 1,872 return yards and three punt return touchdowns.
The Blue Bombers will open the 2024 regular season by hosting the Grey Cup champion Montreal Alouettes at Princess Auto Stadium on Thursday, June 6.
