‘I’m back playing football’: Cox Jr. grateful for a new chance in the CFL

With a new season on the horizon, second chances are being recognized by a new crop of CFLers.

Every season the league presents players with a chance to continue their football careers, and this year’s group includes Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive lineman Bryan Cox Jr.

“It feels great. I couldn’t ask for more,” the 28-year-old said after practice at Mosaic Stadium. “I’m back playing football and it’s Week 1. It’s time to go.”

Cox Jr. had a strong trailing camp and pre-season, recording a sack in both games. That led to him landing on the team’s active roster ahead of Saskatchewan regular-season opener against the Edmonton Elks on Sunday.

Kickoff for the game is set for 5 p.m.

“I’ve been cut before so I know how it feels to restart and have to go through that process, so my heart goes out to those guys that do get cut. At the end of the day, it felt great to make the team,” Cox Jr. said.

Cox Jr. is no stranger to pro football; his dad, Bryan Cox Sr., played in the NFL from 1991 to 2002.

Cox Jr. followed in his dad’s footsteps, playing in 26 NFL games over four seasons split between the Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills.

But he was placed on the injured list in June 2021 with an Achilles injury.

“An Achilles is a tough injury to come back from,” Cox Jr. said. “Mentally (or) physically, it is everything because you have to trust yourself again to do what you were able to do in the past.”

So Cox Jr. waited for an opportunity, which came when the Riders gave him a call.

“It meant a lot. It was two years out of the game and it is just good to be back in the game and playing the game I love,” Cox Jr. said.

He joins a formidable Saskatchewan pass rush that features linemen Pete Robertson, Micah Johnson and Anthony Lanier II.

“I fit well with those guys and we all have maybe a screw or two loose, but you need that to play on the D-line,” Cox Jr. said. “We’re just a cohesive unit right now.

“(Lanier), Pete and all those guys are helping me get adjusted to the game. The vets in the room took me under their wing and are helping me a lot.

“Football is fun to me – it’s a game. I’ve been playing it since I was six years old.”

Notes: Riders head coach Craig Dickenson said it was unlikely that slotback Brayden Lenius will play Sunday. He has missed both days of practice this week with a lower back injury … Offensive lineman Philip Blake remains a 50/50 shot to play, according to Dickenson. The 37-year-old is suffering from a strained pec and there’s no update on how serious it is … Linebacker Derrick Moncrief missed Thursday’s practice as well. He is recovering from a shoulder injury suffered late last season … The Riders announced they have signed three players from the PFC’s Regina Thunder to their practice roster: Defensive lineman Max Parkinson, offensive lineman Riley Schick and wide receiver Isaiah Woodley.