Steven Richardson (Canadian football)

Steven Richardson
refer to caption
Steven Richardson at Winnipeg's 2021 Grey Cup celebration
Personal information
Born: (1996-02-28) February 28, 1996 (age 28)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Height:5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight:298 lb (135 kg)
Career information
High school:Mount Carmel
College:Minnesota
Position:Defensive tackle
Undrafted:2018
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
Stats at CFL.ca

Steven Richardson (born February 28, 1996) is an American former professional football defensive tackle. He played college football at Minnesota, and signed with the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL) as an undrafted free agent in 2018. He was also a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

College career

Richardson played in 48 games for the University of Minnesota from 2014–17 and recorded 103 defensive tackles, 12.5 sacks, a pair of forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Led all Golden Gopher defenders with 11 tackles for a loss and seven sacks in 2016 while earning an All-Big Ten Honourable Mention.

Professional career

Los Angeles Chargers

Richardson spent time on the practice roster of the Los Angeles Chargers in 2018.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Richardson signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL), reuniting with University of Minnesota teammates Chris Streveler and Drew Wolitarsky.[1] Richardson won the 107th Grey Cup in his rookie year, in a game which saw the Bombers defensive line apply constant pressure to Dane Evans and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats as Winnipeg soared to a 33-12 victory.[2] At 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m) and weighing 298 pounds (135 kg), Richardson was noted for his low centre of gravity, ability to stop the run, and played a key part getting stops in short yardage situations for the Blue Bombers.[3] Following the cancelled 2020 season Richardson signed a one-year contract extension with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on February 5, 2021.[4] Richardson won the Grey Cup again in 2021.

BC Lions

Following the 2021 season, Richardson became a free agent in February 2022 and signed a contract with the BC Lions on February 8, 2022.[5] On April 20, 2022 the BC Lions announced that Richardson suffered a significant injury which would cause him to miss a large amount of time.[6] The injury was later revealed to be an Achilles injury and there was hope he would be able to return for the end of the 2022 season.[7] However, on October 13, 2022, it was announced that Richardson suffered a setback in his recovery and would not play for the Lions in 2022.[8] In late March 2023, the Lions' co-general manager Neil McEvoy revealed that he did not expect Richardson to play for the Lions in the 2023 season. At that time, there was speculation that his playing career could be over.[9] On May 13, 2023, he was released by the Lions.[10]

After spending a year out of football, Richardson re-signed with the Lions on November 22, 2023.[11] On May 2, 2024, he was moved to the retired list by the Lions, signaling the end of his professional football career.[12]

Statistics

CFL

  Defence
Year Team Games Tackles ST Sacks Int TD FF
2019 WPG 18 25 0 2 0 0 0
2020 WPG Season cancelled
2021 WPG 7 13 0 4 0 0 1
CFL totals 25 38 0 6 0 0 1

References

  1. ^ Mike Sawatzky (July 10, 2019). "Lure of the game too hard to resist for Bombers' Richardson". Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved November 17, 2019.
  2. ^ Pat Steinberg (November 25, 2019). "Steinberg's MMQB: A Redemption Themed Grey Cup". Canadian Football League.
  3. ^ Ted Wyman (September 16, 2019). "Bombers' massive men in the middle of defensive line won't let opponents run". Winnipeg Sun. Retrieved December 5, 2019.
  4. ^ "Blue Bombers agree to terms with defensive tackle Steven Richardson". BlueBombers.com. February 5, 2021. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  5. ^ "The "Stove" Is Here | Lions Sign DL Steven Richardson". BC Lions. February 8, 2022. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
  6. ^ TSN ca Staff (April 20, 2022). "Lions' Richardson suffers significant injury in workout - TSN.ca". TSN. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
  7. ^ TSN ca Staff (October 5, 2022). "Lions DT Richardson moving closer to return to Lions debut - TSN.ca". TSN. Retrieved October 13, 2022.
  8. ^ 3Down Staff (October 13, 2022). "Defensive tackle Steven Richardson suffers setback to Achilles injury, will not play for Lions this season". 3DownNation. Retrieved October 13, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ Abbott, J. C. (March 26, 2023). "Stove off: B.C. Lions don't expect DT Steven Richardson to play in 2023 following Achilles injuries". 3DownNation. Retrieved March 29, 2023.
  10. ^ "Transactions – Football player trades and signings". Canadian Football League. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
  11. ^ "Lions Sign Seven, Including 'Stove' Richardson". BC Lions. November 22, 2023.
  12. ^ "BC Lions Transactions". BC Lions. Retrieved May 5, 2024.