B.C. Lions sign viral video sensation, Canadian receiver Shai Ross

Photo courtesy: Edmonton Elks

The B.C. Lions have signed Canadian receiver Shai Ross after he was released by the Edmonton Elks on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old was selected in the fifth round, 40th overall, by Edmonton in the 2019 CFL Draft and would go on to suit up in 21 total games with the Elks. His most productive campaign came in 2021 when he hauled in 27 receptions for 369 yards and four touchdowns.

After one season with the BCFC Okanagan Sun, Ross attended the University of Manitoba from 2016-18 and recorded 76 catches for 1,164 yards and ten touchdowns while also chipping in on special teams with 675 return yards in 23 games.

The Winnipeg native is best known for his freakish athletic ability, going viral in consecutive offseasons for videotaped stunts. He captured international attention for a perfectly timed backflip in which he successfully dunked an Oreo in a glass of milk ahead of the 2021 season, before backflipping with a loaded barbell this past April. Both videos have been viewed millions of times across all social media platforms, while the latter has featured heavily in the CFL’s 2022 marketing campaigns.

Off the field, Ross has demonstrated his superior athletic skills by doing barbell backflips and is also an elite cookie dunker.