Adam Gagnon/CFL.ca
CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders have re-signed international defensive back Brandon Smith, the longest-serving member of the team, it was announced on Wednesday. Smith, who joined the Red and White in 2008, had been eligible to become a free agent on Feb. 12.
In franchise history, only Hall-of-Famer Larry Robinson – who spent 12 of his 14 years with the Stamps as a defensive back – has played more seasons in the Stampeders secondary. Smith is one of just three players to win three Grey Cups with the Red and White, a group that also includes Alondra Johnson and Mark McLoughlin.
“Brandon doesn’t draw attention to himself and he may have been underappreciated by others over the years, but we’ve always recognized how much he has meant to the Stampeders defence,” said Stampeders president and general manager John Hufnagel. “He plays the boundary half position and is usually matched up with the opponents’ best receiver. Brandon has maintained a very high level of play throughout his long career and his performance and consistency were again important factors in our Grey Cup win last year. He’s been one of the constants over a period of time that has seen the team make the playoffs every season and win three championships and I’m very pleased he has decided to return for another year.”
RELATEDSmith has played 158 career regular-season games for the Stamps as well as 18 post-season contests including six Grey Cup appearances. He has accumulated 585 career defensive tackles including 14 tackles for loss as well as 13 special-teams tackles, 15 interceptions, nine forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and 39 knockdowns.
The Sacramento State product was the Stamps’ nominee for Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2011 and was a West Division and CFL all-star in 2014. Smith has also been a contributor to the community including the past five years as team spokesman for Every Yard Counts, a program that features visits to the Alberta Children’s Hospital the day before every home game.
“I’m excited to play another season and the chance to defend the Grey Cup championship in our home city played a big role in my decision to return,” said Smith. “The body is feeling good and I’m still having fun, so I’m ready to keep it going. I love the organization, the coaching staff, my teammates, the fans and the city and I can’t wait to get back on the field.”
