Elks axe veteran tackle Thaddeus Coleman ahead of cutdown day

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

The Edmonton Elks are swinging the axe hard at some respected CFL veterans ahead of cutdown day and offensive tackle Thaddeus Coleman is the latest to fall.

Coleman tweeted regarding his release via his private Twitter account. He had only recently joined the team, signing on July 11.

“Been a great time giving it a good run back in Edmonton but it wasn’t meant to be. Thank you Edmonton for everything. Still got love for ya,” Coleman wrote.

The tweet was shared as a screengrab by current free agent offensive lineman Derek Dennis, who is currently involved in a contract dispute with the Elks over his release. It was accompanied by the comment: “Y’all still think I’m tripping?”

Coleman started 17 games at right tackle for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2019 and lined up there for the West Division Final against Winnipeg. He was a reliable protector on the front side for right-handed quarterback Cody Fajardo.

The 36-year-old first joined Edmonton in 2008 following a brief stint in the NFL. He joined the team again in 2013 following period in the Arena Football League, winning a Grey Cup in 2015.

Coleman followed Chris Jones to Saskatchewan in 2016 and spent four seasons with the team, appearing in 71 games. There was speculation that the Riders may bring him back following the retirement of Takoby Cofield.

The six-foot-seven, 320-pounder played NCAA football at Mississippi Valley State University where he was selected to the Southwestern Athletic Conference first-team two times (2006 and 2007). He prepared his body for a lengthy pro career and it has turned out that way.