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. Today, it’s the hoggies – the offensive line.
Left tackle – SirVincent Rogers
SirVincent Rogers was the definition of a professional even before joining the REDBLACKS in 2015, having previously spent time in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins, in the Arena League, and in the CFL with the Toronto Argonauts, but his real notoriety began after coming to the nation’s capital.
Previously a starter in Toronto, Rogers became a premiere left tackle in 2015, starting in all 18 games, and helping protect the blind side of fellow All-Decade teammate, quarterback Henry Burris, earning the CFL’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman Award in the process.
Though he suffered a season-ending ankle injury 12 games into the 2016 season, he was still named an East All-Star, and decorated his hand with a shiny new ring. He was re-signed, and continued his strong output, once again being named a CFL All-Star in 2018.
After a stint in Edmonton, Rogers signed a one-day contract with the REDBLACKS in 2022, allowing him to retire with the franchise.
Left guard – J’Michael Deane
J’Michael Deane is one of the few to become entrenched in REDBLACKS history after being picked in the expansion draft. The 21st overall pick by the Calgary Stampeders in the 2011 CFL Draft came to Ottawa and never looked back, starting in all 51 games he played in between 2014 and 2016.
Playing a handful of different positions in his time, he made his mark at left guard, and in his final season in Ottawa, helped the depleted offensive line unit reach the Grey Cup, where they beat his former team in thrilling fashion.
Centre – Jon Gott
The Ottawa REDBLACKS were huge believers in Jon Gott, and they made that clear by sending the first-overall pick in the 2014 CFL Draft and the rights to Marwan Hage to the Calgary Stampeders to get him.
It’s safe to say that belief was well-founded, as Gott went on to become a key component of the REDBLACKS’ offensive line, well into the twilight of his career. In his first three seasons, Gott started in all 54 games the team played, making it to a pair of Grey Cups, winning one, and being named a CFL All-Star in 2015 and 2016.
Gott started in 14 games in 2017, and another 12 in 2018. The fan favourite was widely recognizable thanks to his long beard, and endeared himself even more during his final regular season home game, where he famously chugged – and subsequently crushed on his helmet – an adult beverage after a touchdown.
Right guard – Nolan MacMillan
For seven seasons, the REDBLACKS’ right guard position was patrolled by Arnprior native, Nolan MacMillan, who played his college football with the Iowa Hawkeyes. The first-ever draft pick for the REDBLACKS franchise, MacMillan immediately had a place in fans’ hearts, even before they realized he was a special player.
MacMillan suited up in 84 games in Ottawa, 83 of which he started, going wire-to-wire with the franchise. He was named an East All-Star in 2019, before retiring from professional football in 2022.
MacMillan, of course, played in three Grey Cup games with the REDBLACKS, capturing his lone ring in 2016.
Right tackle – Jason Lauzon-Seguin
The seventh overall pick in the 2016 CFL Draft, Jason Lauzon-Segiun made an immediate impact for the REDBLACKS. He started 12 games, playing in 14, playing both tackle positions, as well as left guard.
He helped the REDBLACKS reach great heights in 2016 with a Grey Cup – also being named the recipient of the Frank M. Gibson Trophy, given to the Most Outstanding Rookie Offensive Lineman in the East, before reaching personal milestones in 2017, being named an East All-Star.
Lauzon-Seguin played 22 more games in Ottawa in 2018 and 2019, before retiring in 2021.
