Calgary Stampeders

CFL all-star DB Richard Leonard to make long-awaited debut for Stamps

by
3Down Staff
August 11, 2021

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

Richard Leonard will be making his long-awaited debut with the Calgary Stampeders on Thursday when the B.C. Lions come to town.

The two-time East Division all-star missed the club’s season-opening loss to the Toronto Argonauts last week but will now slot-in at field-side halfback.

The 29-year-old originally signed with Calgary as a free agent in February 2020 but did not appear in a game that year due to the cancellation of the CFL season. He was signed to replace Brandon Smith, who retired following the 2019 season after twelve years with the Stampeders.

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Leonard was sensational in three seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2017-19), during which he recorded 178 tackles, twelve interceptions, three forced fumbles, and two touchdowns.

Calgary made a few other changes to their roster for Thursday’s game with Branden Dozier replacing an injured Jamar Wall at strong-side linebacker and former J. P. Metras Trophy-winner Andrew Seinet-Spaulding making his professional debut at defensive tackle behind stalwart Derek Wiggan.