Veteran CFL defensive end Lorenzo Mauldin IV has signed a one-day contract with the Ottawa Redblacks in order to officially retire as a member of the team.
“Lorenzo was one of the premier defensive players in the CFL during his time in Ottawa,” Redblacks vice president of football operations Shawn Burke said in a statement. “He accomplished so much here, from setting the franchise’s single-season sacks record, leading the league in sacks, earning multiple All-CFL selections and being named the league’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player. He is truly one of the all-time great Redblacks, and we’re excited to celebrate his career alongside him and his family as he enters this next chapter.”
The 33-year-old pass rusher had previously announced his retirement on social media. He originally signed with the United Football League’s Louisville Kings last month after a six-year CFL career with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Ottawa Redblacks, and Calgary Stampeders, before opting to hang up his cleats.
“To the city of Ottawa, you’ve embraced my family and me from day one, and we have loved you back with everything in us,” Mauldin wrote as part of the announcement. “I would say this is the end, but it’s just the beginning of something new and happy to step away and be handed off as an Ottawa Redblack! Thank you for four great years!”
The native of Sacramento, Calif., split the 2025 season between Ottawa and Calgary, recording 26 defensive tackles and two sacks over 15 regular-season games.
Over 91 career regular-season CFL games, Mauldin IV made 163 defensive tackles, 12 special teams tackles, 36 quarterback sacks, and six forced fumbles. He was named the league’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player with the Redblacks in 2022.
The University of Louisville product was originally selected in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. He spent three seasons in the NFL, recording 33 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and one forced fumble, and earning over $5.3 million USD.
