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January 13, 2025

“That’s my thing. I chose not to leave. I chose to stay with the Bombers.”

Let’s all agree, if we can, that it just wouldn’t look right to see Willie Jefferson in different colours.

He’s worn two different shades of green in this league already and yet he has been his most dominant over the last six seasons wearing Winnipeg Blue Bombers blue and gold.

That’s why there were choruses of hallelujah over the weekend when the club announced the veteran defensive end put his name on a one-year contract extension on Sunday because he’s still a fan favourite, still dominant, still… Willie.

A snippet which speaks to that from his Zoom conference with the media on Monday when asked if his new contract rivalled that of Canadian defensive end Mathieu Betts, who re-signed with the B.C. Lions just before Christmas in deal that will reportedly make him the highest paid defensive player in the CFL.

“I did not. I wish I could have. That would have been a dream,” he said with a grin. “I’m fine with what I got. I’m fine with absolutely everything I got. Thank-you, Winnipeg.”

Jefferson’s value goes far beyond his considerable contributions on the field — he led the club in sacks for the fourth time in his five years here in 2024 and was named All-CFL for a sixth time — as he has morphed into one of the most respected leaders in a clubhouse overflowing with them.

He’s the player who sets the tone for practice daily and breaks the team down after every session. He’s the leader on game day who won’t let his team sag emotionally. And he’s a walking, talking billboard for the franchise and the city with his trademark, ‘C’mon down to Winnipeg!’ catchphrase.

“He’s a top priority,” said Blue Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea from CFL meetings in Charlotte, N.C. Monday afternoon “Every year that he’s chosen to sign back with us he’s been a top priority. He’s so dynamic — you saw him in the Grey Cup. He’s an absolute game changer. We could spend a long time talking about him.

“I just love his leadership. I love what he brings to the locker room every day and I like what he does on the field.

“He’s always spectacular. He’s so good for us.”

— Mike O’Shea on Willie Jefferson

Jefferson, now 33, still has big-time game — the evidence of which was on full display in the Grey Cup loss to Toronto where he had six tackles, two sacks, a tackle for loss, forced fumble and interception in one of the best games of his career. Had the result been different, it was the type of performance which would have seen him capture MVP honours.

Always honest and upfront, Jefferson also doesn’t shy away from pursuit of personal numbers within the team game. He’s now tied with Michael Gray for sixth in Blue Bombers history in all-time quarterback sacks at 43 — just four shy of Gavin Walls and Elfrid Payton at 47 with Tyrone Jones (98), Tony Norman (59) and Doug Brown (52) holding down the top three spots.

His 74 total sacks from his days in Edmonton and Saskatchewan ranks 29th in CFL history.

“I’m trying to go all the way to the top. I’m trying to do it,” said Jefferson. “That’s my thing. I chose not to leave. I chose to stay with the Bombers.

“I’m trying to catch up with those great guys… Top 6 all time in Bomber history, this year I’m trying to knock off Top 5. I’m trying to do some great things and keep moving up the charts.

“I’m chasing 100. I don’t know where I’m at (74) but I’m trying to make my way to 100.”