Blue Bombers re-sign fan favourite Jefferson

Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Willie Jefferson (5) celebrates his tackle on the Saskatchewan Roughriders during the second half of CFL Banjo Bowl action in Winnipeg Saturday, September 7, 2024. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods)

A big piece of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers defence is returning to the fray for another CFL season.

On Sunday, the club announced defensive end Willie Jefferson agreed to a one-year contract extension.

The fan favourite is a six-time CFL all-star and led the Bombers in quarterback sacks in 2024. He added 25 defensive tackles, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and 10 pass knockdowns to his resume. According to the club, he’s the only player in CFL history to record at least 50 sacks and 50 pass knockdowns.

The 2025 season will be Jefferson’s 11th in the league and sixth with the Blue and Gold. He’s won three Grey Cups including two with the Bombers in 2019 and 2021.

Jefferson, a Texas native who now calls Winnipeg home, was slated to become a free agent in February.