Greenslade signs with Grey Cup champion ‘Riders

Fourth-year University of Alberta Golden Bears’ linebacker Tyler Greenslade has signed a contract with the Grey Cup champions, Saskatchewan Roughriders, of the Canadian Football League.

In four seasons with the Golden Bears, between 2010 and 2013, the Edmonton-born Greenslade has played 23 CIS games and recorded 111 solo tackles, 135 total tackles, three fumble recoveries, five sacks and three interceptions.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders, winners of the 2013 Grey Cup, have long been CFL leaders in playing Canadians, and now Greenslade joins an organization that has played in four Grey Cup games since 2007, including a championship wins in this year and in 2007, and has made the playoffs in 11 of the last 12 seasons.

“Playing in the CFL has been a dream of mine ever since I first joined U of A in 2010,” said Greenslade who has a year of eligibility remaining. “After attending the CFL combine, but not being selected in the 2011 draft, my goals have been just to stay healthy, and to be a leader on and off the field. Earning the opportunity to sign a CFL contract with a first class organization like Saskatchewan is an awesome feeling. I couldn’t be happier to sign with them and attend their training camp in 2014.”

“I know I have a lot more hard work to do in order to crack the Roughriders’ roster but I couldn’t have even gotten that opportunity without the support of my family, girlfriend, friends, coaches and my team mates,” continued Greenslade. “I have always enjoyed my time as a Golden Bear. I’ve made lifelong friendships and learned valuable lessons from the coaching staff. I know with all of the people involved in this program, and the hard work being invested, that the Bears are headed in the right direction, and I remain steadfast in my commitment to helping the program in any way I can.”

The former Edmonton Huskie has attended CFL evaluation camps for the Edmonton Eskimos, played for Team Alberta (2008), and has been a recipient of scholarships from both the Eskimos and Football Alberta. He twice finished second in Canada West in total tackles (2010 and 2013), and has served as a team captain.

A student in the Faculty of Education, Greenslade organized the Golden Bears first ever “Captain’s Camp” this summer so that the returning and new players could all meet and train together in advance of the team’s training camp. His CFL deal comes on the heels of winning the team’s President Trophy, which is awarded annually to the player who best exemplifies the core values of honesty, selflessness, sportsmanship, strength of character, competitive spirit and discipline, at year end banquet on Thursday.

“Tyler Greenslade is a perfect example of what Golden Bears football is building around,” noted former CFL all-star and Golden Bears head coach Chris Morris. “He is an exemplary leader who can be counted on to do whatever is needed for the betterment of his team. Tyler’s toughness and tenacity in coming back from a torn Achilles this year was an inspiration to everyone. These attributes, combined with his athleticism and work ethic, will make him a great addition to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.”