The 10 years of Ottawa REDBLACKS history have produced many highlights, celebrations, and memorable moments. For the fans, the players on the field have become idols, important figures in the community, and in some cases, close friends.
In celebration of the REDBLACKS’ All-Decade game on August 24th, members of the media were given the opportunity to vote on who they believed earned a spot on the All-Decade Team, and now, you’ll find out who made the list, starting with special teams.
Long snapper – LP Bourassa
LP Bourassa was in a walking boot on the Montreal Carabins sideline at practice one day, when he noticed his teammates practicing snapping the ball. He decided to give it a try, and he was noticed by the special teams coach, and the rest is history.
The REDBLACKS selected Bourassa in the fourth round of the 2017 CFL Draft, and he quickly became a pillar for the special teams unit, playing a role in numerous memorable moments in Ottawa.
The long snapper position might be the most thankless in all of sports, but Bourassa has his place in REDBLACKS history.
Punter – Richie Leone
Since 2018, Richie Leone has been the model of consistency for the REDBLACKS, flipping the field 47 yards on average. He has been an integral part of the special teams’ success in Ottawa over the last number of years, even chipping in with a 23-yard pass completion in 2022 on a trick play.
In the five seasons that have concluded since he signed with the REDBLACKS, Leone has been named an East Division All-Star in every season save for 2022, and was a CFL All-Star in 2018, 2021, and 2023.
Kicker – Lewis Ward
Though the REDBLACKS have been fortunate to have some quality kickers over the years, Lewis Ward stands above the rest. Everyone remembers the 69-consecutive field goal streak, which set a new professional football record, overtaking Adam Vinatieri’s mark of 45.
In his six CFL seasons, Ward has become the CFL’s most accurate kicker of all time (among those with at least 100 attempts). His eight field goals of 50+ yards in 2023 tied a league record for most in a single season, and his 2018 season set a new mark for the best single-season field goal percentage ever, finishing 51 of 52, or 98.1 percent.
The 2024 season has been equally as rewarding for Ward, hitting on 30 of his 34 kicks, and nailing a pair of walk-off winners. It’s not common for fans to latch onto a kicker, but in Ottawa, there’s a special relationship between the fans and Ward.
Returner – DeVonte Dedmon
If you can believe it, DeVonte Demon only suited up in his 30th game with the REDBLACKS in Thursday night’s game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Those games, however, have been remarkable.
Three times, he has returned a kickoff for a touchdown, and he has brought three more to the house on punt returns, bringing him to a total of 4,025 yards, or nearly 3.7 kilometres worth of returns.
In 2021, Dedmon experienced possibly the best season in his career, being named a CFL All-Star, and taking home the John Argo Special Teams Award. His place on this list is fitting, and fans know that when the ball is in his hands, you better be in your seat, lest you risk missing something special.
Coverage ace – Nigel Romick
An original REDBLACK, Nigel Romick was a shoo-in for this spot. In 101 games in the red and black, the Saint Mary’s product has collected 108 special teams tackles, and has been the consummate professional.
Known for his quiet, kind, and embracing demeanour, Romick changes when he steps on the field. It’s all business, and he demands everything be executed as close to perfect as it can possibly be.
For nine seasons – 10 years including the pandemic – Romick has dedicated himself to being the best special teamer he possibly can, and earned his place on this list.
