CFL.ca Staff

WINNIPEG -- The Blue Bombers welcome back their ‘Minister of Defence’ today, as the veteran middle linebacker has re-signed with the Winnipeg Football Club.

As per team policy, details of the agreement are not disclosed.

Simpson (5-11, 230, Mississippi State ’99, DOB: Oct. 1, 1977 in St. Louis, MO) is a natural playmaker who’s physical ability is only matched by his sportsmanship and leadership.

“He’s a dynamic player and has the versatility that will allow us to play some different fronts. He has the athleticism to run around a little bit and once he sees where the ball’s going, he gets there in a hurry and not in a good mood,” said Bomber head coach Mike Kelly.

Simpson has been consistently excellent throughout his eight year CFL career, and his first three seasons with Winnipeg. He is a six-time CFL all-star in his career, including 2006 and 2007 with Winnipeg. Simpson led the CFL in defensive tackles in 2001, 2002, 2003, and most recently with Winnipeg in 2006, when he was also named the East division Defensive Player of the Year. Simpson was also the West division Defensive Player of the Year in his rookie season in 2001.

Last season Simpson was leading the league in defensive tackles before getting hurt in the fourth game of the campaign. The injury forced him to miss the rest of the regular season and East semi-final game.

“He demonstrated his work ethic following surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle. Under the direction of athletic therapist Al Couture, Barrin was rehabilitated and ready to play ahead of schedule,” said Director of Football Operations, Ross Hodgkinson.

A popular teammate and fan favourite; Simpson ranks sixth on the Blue Bombers career list in defensive tackles with 251. His CFL career totals are more impressive, as he ranks fifth all-time in the league with 698 defensive tackles.

The Blue Bombers originally acquired Simpson when he signed as a free agent in 2006, after spending the first five seasons of his career with B.C.