B.C. Lions add former Philadelphia Eagles DB Mac McCain

Photo courtesy: Drew Hallowell/Philadelphia Eagles

The B.C. Lions have signed American defensive back Franklin “Mac” McCain III to their practice roster.

The six-foot, 175-pound cornerback was most recently under contract in the United Football League with the St. Louis Battlehawks, but did not make the final roster. He previously spent time with the San Antonio Brahmas, but was also released prior to the season.

McCain began his professional career in 2021 as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos, before moving on to the Philadelphia Eagles. He dressed for two games as a rookie, making three defensive tackles. He later had stints with the Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, and New Orleans Saints, but did not make the active roster.

The native of Greensboro, N.C.,  attended North Carolina A&T University from 2017 to 2020, where he recorded 113 total tackles and 16 interceptions, two of which were returned 100 yards for touchdowns.

McCain is the grandson and namesake of noted civil rights activist Franklin McCain, who helped to launch the Greensboro sit-ins.

The B.C. Lions (4-5) will visit the Ottawa Redblacks (0-10) at TD Place Stadium on Sunday, August 30, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EDT. The Lions are coming off a 30-16 win over Saskatchewan, while the Redblacks were blown out by the Montreal Alouettes.

The weather forecast in Ottawa calls for 23 degrees with a mix of sun and cloud. The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS2 in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the United States, and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 730 CKNW (English) or Sher-E-Punjab Radio AM 600 (Punjabi) in Vancouver or TSN 1200 in Ottawa.