Bombers’ DB Ranthony Texada opts out to pursue NFL or XFL employment

Another fringe CFLer has decided to opt out of their contract and chase employment south of the border.

Newly signed Winnipeg Blue Bomber Ranthony Texada announced his intention to opt out on Twitter.

“With the 2020 CFL season being cancelled this year, I have decided to take a leap of faith and opt out of my contract to pursue NFL/XFL opportunities,” tweeted Texada. “My body of work speaks for itself , and I believe I have what it takes to compete with the best!”

The five-foot-10, 185-pound Texada was most recently with the New York Guardians of the XFL, where he registered 16 tackles and one sack in five games. The Smyrna, GA native spent part of the 2019 season with the Ottawa Redblacks, but did not dress for a regular season game, most notably intercepting Montreal’s Canadian quarterback Hugo Richard in the pre-season. He ranks eighth in Big 12 history in pass knockdowns with 30 after his career at Texas Christian University.

While it’s not surprising to see a non-veteran player like Texada opt out, given he likely doesn’t qualify for the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy assistance for players, he is the first to specifically mention the XFL in his decision. That could spell trouble for the CFL, if the league now owned by a group led by former Stampeder Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson finds a way to play in the spring.

3Down Staff