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“He can scratch, baby, can you hear me? When it’s his time to line it up and his time to go from here to there, he’s real fast. Anywhere on the field, he can get there like lightning."
Published May 16, 2025 • Last updated 11 minutes ago • 6 minute read
Former NFLer Tevaughn is back for a second go-round with the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders
Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive back Tevaughn Campbell (26) during day four of Rider training camp at Griffiths Stadium. Photo by Michelle Berg /Saskatoon StarPhoenix
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Corey Mace has one word to describe the second coming of Tevaughn Campbell and his much-anticipated return to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
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“Beautiful.”
The Riders signed Campbell in early February. The former University of Regina Rams standout has 37 games of NFL experience to go with 42 games in the CFL, 17 of those with the Roughriders back in 2016.
As a Canadian national, Campbell gives the Riders plenty of options, and flexibility, in the defensive secondary. He would be a ratio-breaker should he start at the cornerback position.
Sounds like Campbell — who hasn’t played in a football game since last August — is still breaking to the ball as quickly as ever.
“He can scratch, baby, can you hear me?” points out an animated Joshua Bell, who serves as the Riders defensive backs coach. “When it’s his time to line it up and his time to go from here to there, he’s real fast. Anywhere on the field, he can get there like lightning. Say what? He’s still got it! I was afraid to race (him) when I was still running, when I was still playing.
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“He can still go. And, so, it’s amazing. His experience, his composure, his professionalism, and his speed — and what he brings as a level of tranquility to the room, who he is, his demeanour — those are all things that he brings to the team.”
After starring in football and track and field at the University of Regina from 2011-14, the Scarborough, Ont. product was drafted by the Calgary Stampeders in the third round of the 2015 CFL Draft after running a 4.35 second 40-yard dash at the CFL Combine.
Second-year Riders head coach Mace also noticeably perks up when talking about his former CFL teammate from their days on the Stamps.
“You see it,” says Mace. “Even from when he left the CFL, in his last stint to now, he’s a completely different player. The things you loved about him before, he still has all those intangibles. His speed (being one). But just seeing how he’s fitting in stuff when it comes to the run game and screen game, being able to download the playbook now, being the first year in the system, he’s a pro’s pro from that standpoint. Awesome addition.”
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Campbell has 46 defensive tackles, eight special teams tackles, four interceptions, two forced fumbles and one sack in 42 CFL games with the Stamps, Riders and Montreal Alouettes.
During a 37-game NFL career, he had 65 tackles, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown and a 61-yard interception return for a touchdown.
REUNITED WITH FORMER TEAMMATES
Coach Bell’s eyes light up when talking about Campbell.
Like Mace, Bell was Campbell’s teammate on the Stamps.
“My Dawg — former teammate that I get to now coach,” Bell says with a smile.
“It’s been a pleasure, the first few days of camp, to have him in here in person — it’s like, ‘ah, to have a familiar face.'”
Bell says he’s happy to see his friend again.
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“I’ve been following my Dawg for a long time, just watching his journey, playing a few years in the (CFL), doing the rugby thing and then getting the opportunity to get a shot in the NFL at the highest level, seeing him do different things, develop his game and continue to grow.
“I’ve been so happy for him to have the experience that we all dream about. And now for him to still be passionate about playing football and continue on work on his craft, and continue to be better and chase his level of greatness … I’m excited to watch. I’m grateful to have him, and I have an opportunity to have a hand in that, to help my friend along, to help him reach his dreams. So it’s pleasurable, and it’s great that he’s a damn good football player too, right?”
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Campbell has also seen action with Canada’s national rugby team. He appeared on five stops, internationally, during the 2017-18 HSBC Sevens Series.
His first go-round with the Riders ended when the 6-foot, 195-pounder was traded, along with two third-round picks, to the Montreal Alouettes in exchange for quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., and a fifth-round pick, back in 2017.
Campbell went on to NFL stops with the New York Jets, Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars. He was released by the Jags following training camp last August — so it’s been a long wait to get back onto the football field.
Tevaughn Campbell played for the NFL's Los Angeles Chargers
Tevaughn Campbell (No. 37) of the Los Angeles Chargers breaks up a pass to Denzel Mims of the New York Jets during a 2020 NFL game. Photo by Kevork Djansezian /Getty Images
HASN’T PLAYED SINCE LAST AUGUST
He’s been itching to get back into it, and what better fit than the Riders?
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“Yes, it’s good to be back,” says Campbell. “It’s good to be back playing after a long break. Everything’s going well. It’s just getting used to the guys, getting used to the defence, trying to make plays.”
Campbell has to adjust to once again playing football with Canadian rules.
“I think (it’s) a little easier than it was adjusting to the NFL from the CFL, because I was going on kind of a clean slate,” he says. “I didn’t know anything about the NFL game at the time. Being in the CFL for four years and coming back, I obviously had to get a refresh on certain things. But as soon as I heard them, I was like. ‘okay, it’s ball.’ The light bulb turned on.”
What motivates him at this point at age 31?
(It’s not likely the CFL’s modest money after he made a few million dollars in the NFL.)
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“Just getting better, man,” Campbell explains. “I’d be telling the boys I’m learning every day. As old as I am, or as young as I am, I learn from anyone and everyone. Give me as much knowledge and information as you’ve got to give me. It’s cool to learn something new and put it on the field, so I’m like, ‘oh well, that was interesting.’ ”
Campbell says the biggest difference from when he last played in the CFL are the hash marks for ball placements, “which kind of opened up the field game a little more.
“Back in the day, the hashes were a little wider and the fielder corner wouldn’t get much love. But now, there’s definitely more action over there. That might be the biggest thing from a corner(back’s) perspective.”
Naturally, the team changed since his previous Riderville stint.
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“Younger,” he says, laughing. “I think I was younger at the time, so it was definitely younger. Being around a bunch of young guys is enlightening.”
And what’s the same?
“Football. It’s still football. There’s still one objective (on defence): get the ball.”
Coach Bell says Campbell shares a similar demeanour with fellow DB Rolan Milligan when it comes to the room.
“Those guys don’t do a lot of talking,” Bell says. “Usually defensive backs are primadonna’s; they’re flashy. Those guys are just hard-workers, blue-collar guys but they have the super-powers that are unmatched in some regards.”
Tevaughn campbell
Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive back Tevaughn Campbell (26) works out during training camp at Saskatoon’s Griffiths Stadium. Photo by Michelle Berg /Saskatoon StarPhoenix
‘IT’S SURREAL, MAN’
Upon his return to Regina, Campbell looks around and finds comfort playing for a number of his former teammates, including Mace, Bell and Marquay McDaniel from their Stampeder playing days.
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“It’s sort of surreal, man,” admits Campbell. “I remember sitting in those meeting rooms, sitting in Calgary. You never would have expected it, 10 years later, that I’d be playing for them. They’re good guys. Good guys then and good guys now, so I’m definitely excited and happy to be under their wing.”
Campbell also had current Riders offensive coordinator Marc Mueller as quarterback during their U Sports days with the Rams.
“It’s crazy,” Campbell says. “It’s crazy.”
And, in Mace’s words, it’s beautiful too.
dzary@postmedia.com
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