Every Saskatchewan Roughriders fan could sigh with relief when they found out Canadian defensive back Tevaughn Campbell re-signed with the team on Monday to avoid free agency.
"He's a difference-maker for us. Great player, regardless of the passport. Him being Canadian does help us with the ratio. I think you could tell there's a difference when he's not in the game," Riders' general manager Jeremy O'Day said to the media from the CFL winter meetings. in Calgary
"You weren't sure how that was going to take place when he came back from the NFL, and he fit right in with all the guys. He became a big part of the locker room. Super excited for him to have the opportunity to win the Grey Cup. We're excited to have T.C. back."
During the 2025 CFL season, Campbell played 13 regular season games for the Green and White. He recorded 18 defensive tackles, six interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, and one special team tackle. The CFL recognized his efforts as Campbell was one of nine Saskatchewan players selected to the All-CFL team.
The Roughriders made it to the 112th Grey Cup where the team defeated the Montreal Alouettes 25-17. That was Campbell's first championship in his CFL career. Campbell finished the title game with three defensive tackles, one forced fumble, and one interception.
Head coach Corey Mace shared the same sentiments as O'Day when it came to Campbell coming back to Saskatchewan.
"Everybody's aware of the type of player and the kind of season that he had last year. Extremely important that we've got some corners with a little bit of size and some speed. Even T.C. was out there, laying a couple of hits last year. He's got some magnets in his hands, he managed to do that at a high clip, even missing a portion of the games," Mace said.
"It was extremely important to get him back for the playoff run and, ultimately, the Grey Cup, where he was part of two crucial turnovers. So, on top of all that, an outstanding human being, a great father figure, a great husband. There are a lot of good things you can say about T.C. Happy to have him back.”
