Blue Bombers Rookie Camp | Day 2

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers had just put the finishing touches on Day 2 of rookie camp and there was De’Shaan Dixon surveying the field at Princess Auto Stadium, taking a moment to soak in and fully appreciate the scene.

“This is like a full circle moment for me, just being able to put pads on after not having played games since 2023,” Dixon began. “So, because of that I’m forever grateful for Winnipeg having me here and to now be in here in camp, I get emotional just being here.

“I’m so happy. A year ago, I definitely didn’t know what I would be doing. I really feel comfortable and at home here.”

Now, to fully comprehend Dixon’s appreciation of this shot with the Blue Bombers it’s necessary to rewind and visit the stops along his road travelled.

A 6-4, 262-pound defensive end, Dixon was a star during his days at Norfolk State (2017-21) and after a senior season which saw him earn All-MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) honours after leading the conference in sacks with nine and adding 12.5 tackles for a loss, he parlayed that into a shot with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent.

He cracked the Jags roster in 2022 and suited up for three games as a rookie. It was in August of 2024 that Dixon suffered a torn ACL, the injury only further punctuated by this comment from then head coach Doug Pederson: “He was having a good camp, too. It’s unfortunate, hate it for him.”

What happened next was a long, arduous trek just to get healthy again, let alone another opportunity. He worked at a Planet Fitness in the Newport News area, coached elementary-aged kids in basketball and football and was certainly present around the Norfolk State football practices.

Still, the game had suddenly been taken away from him and that ain’t easy.

“That was a rough time,” Dixon admitted. “Not just physically, but mentally as well. I went through a lot of stuff last year and then it was about bouncing back. I always wanted to play football; it’s always been my first love.

“I was trying to find my purpose again. I knew I would still have football; I just didn’t know when.”

‘When’ turned out to be last fall during the practice roster expansion when the Blue Bombers brought Dixon to Winnipeg. And while he didn’t see any game action, he certainly made a favourable impression.

This from head coach Mike O’Shea:

“You can rewind the practice tape from back then and watch that guy at that size running by people all over the field and playing special teams and it’s just hard to imagine a guy at that size moving that well.”

Watch Dixon at work and there’s an obvious joy that comes from his every movement on the field. His game is a mix of explosiveness and strength. And there’s an obvious passion at play, too, because this is the opportunity Dixon craved all during his rehab and the uncertainty that comes with it.

“Back when I was coaching and watching those kids practice it made me think, ‘I can’t be done yet. I really can’t be done yet,'” he said. “So, when Winnipeg gave me this opportunity, I knew this was my chance to show them I’ve still got juice left, show them that my injury is not holding me back, show them I’ve still got a lot left in me. I know I’ve got the fire in me.

“I haven’t proven myself to anyone yet. So, this is my opportunity. If God gives me this last chance, I’m going to take full advantage of it.”

The Blue Bombers do have some room on their defensive line, even with the addition of long-time CFL veteran Jake Ceresna. Dixon will be in a fight with Kydran Jenkins, who played so well in his regular season debut last October, and does have the size and skillset to play both end and tackle.

His biggest strength, outside of the obvious physical gifts, might just be this: he’s hungry, starving even, after having the game snatched away from him for a couple of years.

“Playing football, especially at a level like this, is a once in a lifetime opportunity. You can’t let those opportunities pass,” he said. “When I was working… it’s just not the same as it is when you’re around teammates or putting the pads on and heading out to the field. It’s hard to explain. It’s just a whole different feeling. I don’t want to have those moments where it’s, ‘I wish I had done this; I wish I had done that.’

“Whatever my body has got left, let’s leave it all on the field. After that we’ll do the ‘what’s next?’ question. Right now, I’m in the present and living in the moment and embracing every day here.”

NEXT: Blue Bombers rookie camp wraps up Friday at Princess Auto Stadium with the session scheduled to run from 10:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. All practices are open to the public.