Shane Ray back in the CFL, chasing third pro championship

Shane Ray’s football journey has seen him reach the top of the mountain in both the NFL and CFL.

The Kansas City, Miss., defensive end won Super Bowl 50 as a member of the Denver Broncos and then the 2022 Grey Cup with the Toronto Argonauts.

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“I’m blessed. Honestly, I’m blessed and resilient. I was able to play a lot of great football in my career over these 11 years. Was able to go play and win the Super Bowl and contribute to all-time great NFL defense,” Ray said.

“Injuries happened. I worked my way out of that. Came out to the CFL, which most guys probably wouldn’t even do, helped that team win a championship. I just kind of had that effect where I go, you know what I’m saying. So I’m just hoping to just bring good energy and the experience and leadership that I have and just help this team in any way that I possibly can to make it to the pinnacle.

“It’s great. You kind of look back at the whole season and see all the sacrifices and the things that you were able to do as a team. Being in both of those situations, I’m honestly, truly blessed to experience that and have great veterans teach me how to grow and be a veteran and give back to these guys. It’s a surreal feeling, but it’s like you want it again. I want to feel that again and be a three-time champion, so that’s the plan.”

The 32-year-old Ray is back in the CFL after spending the past two years down south.

“I was with Tennessee during the preseason. I kind of wanted to wait and see if I was going to have any other opportunities during the season. For me, I was just ready to play football,” said Ray, who signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in January.

“I train and I work hard, so I just wanted to get out and play ball. Staying in touch with (head coach Corey) Mace gave me this opportunity to come back out here.”

The move back to the CFL reunites Ray with Mace, who was his defensive line coach in Toronto in 2022.

During that season, Ray had six sacks over 13 games.

“Mace let me know early what his expectation was for me in that room,” Ray said.

“It was up to me at that point to try to make it happen, and we were able to do that. So same thing here… We’re just trying to put it together and create one of the better D-lines in this league.”

Now that he’s back in the CFL, Ray said he’s looking to help the Riders as one of the veteran leaders.

“I’ve been blessed to play around hall of famers and even greats here in the CFL with Charleston Hughes and guys like that,” Ray said.

“I’ve been able to learn a lot, just as a football player and a pass rusher, so to just be in those guys’ ears and to be able to talk to them, it’s just an honour and a blessing. I just hope I can help as much as I can.”

Injury concerns have followed Ray throughout his career, and he suffered a twisted ankle in training camp this season. But he said he feels good ahead of Thursday’s season opener against the Ottawa Redblacks. Kickoff for the game is set for 7 p.m., and the Green Zone’s pregame show begins at 5 p.m.

“We’re tired of practicing against each other,” Ray said.

“We’re just excited to finally see what this team is made of and start the trajectory of where we’re going.”

With the Riders bringing back a lot of their 2024 roster, Ray said the team has all the ingredients to make a deep run this season.

“I personally feel like it starts with the leadership and the veterans just setting the tone for everybody else to follow. It comes from the head coach and how he organizes the team. To compare to Toronto, when I was there we were one or two pieces away from a Grey Cup there my first year,” Ray said.

“Then, the next year, we kind of changed our (mindset and) Mace came in. We had just a different mindset, and we were able to do it. I think this team is one of those same type of situations where you made it to (the West Final) last year and where we are today. I think we have the opportunity to win a Grey Cup this year just with a few changes. If it’s just one or two changes to get you over that hump, I think we’re capable of doing that.”

Brammer out, Collins in for Riders

More shuffling is needed for the Riders’ offensive line. Jacob Brammer has been ruled out due to a back injury he suffered in practice this week.

Offensive lineman Payton Collins will get the start at left tackle, and will be playing his first game in the CFL. Trevon Tate will move to left guard, while Zack Fry will play right guard.

Defensive lineman Charbel Dabire has been put on the six-game injured list with a knee injury. Shawn Bane Jr., who suffered a leg injury late last season, avoided that list and was just put on the one-game injured list.

Quarterback Jack Coan was put on the one-game injured list as a healthy scratch.