When Jaylen Samuels took the field for the Ottawa Redblacks this past weekend Surprise Sensation, many fans were curious—but not necessarily expecting fireworks. After all, it had been years since he last played meaningful football at a high level. Yet, in just one half of action, Samuels reminded everyone why he was once considered a promising talent coming out of NC State.
A Long Road Back to the Game
Before Saturday’s game, Samuels hadn’t played in a competitive professional contest since 2021. His NFL career—once full of promise—had stalled after short stints with teams like the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals. He even tried his luck in the XFL (now UFL), but didn’t make the final roster.
But on Saturday, all that seemed behind him.
A Debut to Remember
In the Ottawa Redblacks’ 23-7 win over the Montreal Alouettes, Samuels made the most of his limited time. In just two drives, he:
Caught three passes for 13 yards
His first carry? A jaw-dropping 24-yard touchdown run that left defenders grasping at air. It wasn’t just flashy—it was effective. Coaches and fans alike noticed how quickly he adapted to the CFL style of play, and how smoothly he fit into the offense.
More Than Just a Flash in the Pan
What stood out most wasn’t just the stats—it was the way he moved. His cuts were sharp, his vision was clear, and he looked comfortable catching passes out of the backfield, something that could make him a dual threat in the league.
Samuels, who signed with the Redblacks on April 28, seems determined to prove he still belongs on the field. And if Saturday was any indication, he might just have a future in Canada.
From Steelers Backup to CFL Spotlight
Back in Pittsburgh, Samuels was always seen as a versatile player. At NC State, he lined up everywhere—tight end, H-back, even as a kick returner. But in the NFL, he was mostly a backup, stuck behind bigger names like James Conner and later Benny Snell.
Still, he showed flashes. In 2018, his rookie year, he rushed for over 250 yards and caught 26 passes. By 2019, though, the depth chart shifted again, and his opportunities began to shrink.
Now, in a new league, he has a fresh chance to show what he can really do.
What’s Next for Samuels?
It’s only an exhibition game, but the buzz around Samuels is real. If he continues performing like this, there’s no reason he can’t lock down a starting role in Ottawa.
For now, fans are excited—and rightly so. Sometimes, all a player needs is one moment to remind us why we fell in love with the game in the first place.
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