CFL.ca Staff

CALGARY -- The journey continues for Stevie Baggs.

After a brief stint south of the border with the Baltimore Ravens (NFL), Baggs returned to Canada this week, signing a practice roster agreement with the Calgary Stampeders.

Baggs, 30, is now a member of his fifth CFL team, having previously suited up for the Blue Bombers, Eskimos, Roughriders, and most recently the Tiger-Cats.

Regardless of what colours he’s wearing, Baggs admits he’s just content with being back in the CFL, especially with a team in a favourable spot in the standings like the Stampeders.

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By the Numbers: Stevie Baggs (Career)
Tackles: 152
Sacks: 26
Interceptions: 2
Fumble Recoveries: 7
Touchdowns: 2

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“Very important. Over half my career has been played in the CFL. I’m the only pro football player to play on 11 different teams and I think the resilience of it speaks volumes,” said Baggs.

“I’m just glad Coach (John) Hugnagel and his staff here know what kind of person I am on and off the field. When it comes down to playing football, I love this game and I know I can contribute,” he added.

Last season, Baggs registered 50 tackles, five sacks and recovered two fumbles in 18 games with the Ticats before being surprisingly released in March.

Now entering his seventh CFL season, Baggs is once again preparing to wreak havoc over opposing offensive lines.

However, the defensive lineman will have to wait a little bit before he can take the field, as he continues to nurse an injury that has plagued him in recent weeks.

“It’s day to day right now. I’m just trying to make sure I don’t aggravate it — I want to make sure I come back and that it’s fully healed so I can come back later in the season and I can go full throttle,” Baggs said.

“The injury is just a grade one strain. Right now, it’s just a week-to-week thing. We’re just trying to take care of it and make sure there’s no lingering effects as I get later in the season.”

Whenever the time comes for Baggs to make his return to action, his presence would bolster a Stampeders pass rush that is in definite need of some sort of boost.

Through 10 games this season, the Stamps have registered just 19 sacks, the lowest total in the West Division and the third-lowest in the entire league.

Baggs, alongside his 26 career sacks,  says he’s excited to get familiar with his new playbook so he can begin helping his new team. “Like anything. It’s just terminology; it’s just getting comfortable with it and getting healthy. Then we can get out there and fly around, make some plays. I’ve played for Coach Campbell before so I know what he expects.”

Throughout his seven-year career, Baggs has played 10 games against the Stampeders, and remembers what it’s like lining up with the deafening sound of the McMahon Stadium faithful jeering against him.

Now, he’s looking forward to having them on his side.

“I have great memories of playing against Calgary with Saskatchewan, and we played the Grey Cup here in 2009. That memory wasn’t too great for obvious reasons with the 13th man, but this place has always been a great place to play,” he said.

“I’ve heard great things about Coach Hufgnagel, I’m friends with Coach Claybrooks off the field and I’ve played for Coach Campbell in Edmonton, so we already have a good synergy. I’ve really missed the fans. Everyone is usually so emotionally attached to me because I play with so much emotion. It’s great to be back up here and I’m really looking forward to the future.”