April 10, 2014

Centre of attention: Norman inks extension with Leos

Rebecca Rempel/BC Lions

CFL.ca Staff

VANCOUVER — The BC Lions announced this morning that Canadian centre Matt Norman has signed a contract extension through the 2016 season.

Norman originally joined the Lions as the club’s third-round selection (22nd overall) in the 2012 CFL Draft. The Western University grad enters his third season this June after solidifying his spot as the team’s starting centre last year.

“Matt has shown tremendous progress and maturity in his first two seasons playing one of the most important positions on the field,” said VP of football operations and GM Wally Buono. “His extension along with our recent signing of Hunter Steward and the return of Kirby Fabien means that the future of our offensive line is in good hands and it’s along the line of scrimmage where championships are won.”

Departing midway through his rookie season in 2012 to conclude his post-secondary studies, Norman returned to the Leos roster in time for the Western Final that year and enjoyed a remarkable 18-game regular season in 2013 filling in for veteran Angus Reid at centre.

“Matt has responded incredibly well in some very high-pressure situations,” said head coach Mike Benevides. “The centre position is extremely important and knowing we’ll have continuity there is crucial to our success on offence.”

Norman, a native of Chateauguay, Quebec has appeared in 27 regular season games along with two playoff games.