Jerreth Sterns to make CFL debut against Redblacks

Jerreth Sterns was just looking for an opportunity.

“Growing up, I always wanted to play pro football. I knew that’s what I wanted to do so I’m grateful for the opportunity to be here,” Sterns said.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders wide receiver will get his first pro start Sunday as the CFL team hosts the Ottawa Redblacks at Mosaic Stadium. Kickoff for the game is set for 5 p.m.

The opportunity to join the Riders came just two days before the Waxahachie, Texas product’s birthday. That’s when his agent called him.

“I was working out. I was with the (Los Angeles) Rams – they signed me to a futures contract and they cut me in March. I was hoping for another opportunity and just working out and staying in shape,” the 5-foot-9, 175-pound Sterns said. “They called me two days before my birthday so I was getting ready to celebrate my birthday.

“So I jumped on a plane on my birthday and came out here.”

The Riders announced they signed the 23-year-old on July 3. Statistically, Sterns was one of the top NCAA receivers in 2021 as a member of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. In 14 games, he led the NCAA in receiving yards (1,902), catches (150) and was tied for the lead with 17 touchdowns.

Despite the ridiculous numbers, Sterns went undrafted and signed as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022. While there, he crossed paths with Tom Brady, though only briefly.

“I was starstruck at first because I look up to him,” Sterns said. “He had an aura about him. He had something about him and it was crazy walking in. I was kind of nervous talking to him; it’s not like talking to another teammate.”

But with no more NFL opportunities on the horizon for the slotback, he joined the Riders and gets this opportunity because slotback Brayden Lenius suffered a foot injury in last week’s 31-13 loss to the Toronto Argonauts. Lenius was put on the six-game injured list.

“(Sterns) is smooth – he runs smooth routes and he is easy to throw to. He’s a quarterback-friendly receiver,” said quarterback Mason Fine. “If you throw a misplaced football, he adjusts his body to make it look good.

“He had a lot of success in college and I can see why.”

Sterns is excited to take the field as a member of the Riders, but his focus is only on one thing against Ottawa.

“It’s a blessing to be out there, but I’m more concerned about the win,” Sterns said.