Medlock uncertain about future in Winnipeg
WINNIPEG — One day after the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ 2017 season ended, the focus has moved to next season and those who may or may not be a part of the building process.
For kicker/punter Justin Medlock, that process has indeed begun but the pending free agent is non committal about his future in Blue and Gold and in the CFL in general.
After the Bombers locker clean out on Monday, Medlock was asked if he wanted to return to Winnipeg in 2018, avoiding free agency, and he responded by saying, “Um, I wouldn’t mind coming back. I want to take a second to think about what I want to do – whether I want to play or whether I want to play somewhere else or whether I want to play here. I have to take a second to think about that.”
Justin Medlock said he’ll explore all options as a free agent this offseason, including whether or not he wants to continue playing. He did say that Mike O’Shea has made the game fun for him over the last 2 years. #CFL #bombers
— Chris O’Leary (@olearychris) November 13, 2017
Medlock played in all 18 games this season and took care of kicking and punting duties for the Bombers. The UCLA product accumulated 3472 net yards on punts with an average of 43.7 yards. He made 56 of his 70 field goal attempts (80 per cent) including one from 57 yards out. He also booted 48 of 49 convert kicks.
“I’m not happy about the season,” he admitted, despite making a league-leading 70 field goals. “Over the two years (in Winnipeg), having five game-winners and winning a (Most Outstanding Special Teams Player) award, if my bad year is 80 per cent then…”
Medlock had a stand-out season in 2016 with the Bombers, setting career highs in made field goals (60) and longest field-goal (58 yards). He was named the West Division nominee for Special Teams Player of the Year. He was also named a CFL All-Star for the first time in his career and was named CFL’s Most Outstanding Special Teams Player for the 2016 season.
Before joining the Bombers, the 34-year-old spent three seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2011, 2013 and 2014) and two seasons with the Toronto Argonauts (2009-2010).
