The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed American defensive lineman Justin (J.J.) Weaver.
The six-foot-five, 241-pound Weaver signed with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in July 2025 and attended training camp with the team.
He spent six collegiate seasons (2019-2024) at the University of Kentucky, suiting up for 58 games, including 39 starts. Over six seasons as a Wildcat, Weaver recorded 197 career tackles, including 39.5 tackles for loss, 21.5 sacks, 15 quarterback hurries, eight pass breakups, five forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, two interceptions and one blocked kick. He ended his Kentucky career ranked third all-time with 39.5 career tackles for loss and fourth all-time in career sacks.
Beyond the football field, Weaver has been recognized for his outstanding commitment to the community. As a senior in 2024, he was named one of 11 FBS Allstate AFCA Good Works Team members and earned Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year honours, while also receiving the Freddie Solomon Community Spirit Award and the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2024 Ron Butler Character in Adversity Award. In addition, he was an Orange Bowl Courage Award nominee.
Weaver’s community efforts have included working with the homeless, supporting school programs such as backpack and bike drives, and providing haircuts for children before they return to school. Most recently, following the loss of his father and a beloved teacher, he launched a program to help young people navigate and process their grief.
