Frankie Benvenuti, a keen observer of the CFL scene, caught up with Jovan Santos-Knox to delve into his bubbling excitement for the 2025 season with the Ottawa REDBLACKS. The anticipation leading up to this moment was palpable for Santos-Knox, who closely followed General Manager Shawn Burke’s strategic moves during the off-season. His persistence paid off when he finally secured a one-year deal on January 28 to continue representing the nation’s capital on the field.
Transitioning through various teams like the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Edmonton Elks, and Hamilton Tiger-Cats in his career has granted Santos-Knox a seasoned perspective on the transient nature of professional sports. Now entering his third season with REDBLACKS, he exudes enthusiasm about the team’s evolving roster dynamics and potential for growth. Reflecting on his journey thus far, Santos-Knox shared,
“Observing from outside like a fan brought an exhilarating element as each day unfolded with news. It solidified my eagerness to return.”
Over two seasons donning the REDBLACKS jersey, Santos-Knox’s contributions have been instrumental in propelling both personal achievements and team successes. With impressive stats of 129 tackles, five sacks, and an interception under his belt, he remains grounded in prioritizing collective triumphs over individual accolades. Despite setting franchise records and clinching playoff berths after years of drought, there lingers an insatiable hunger within the team to aim higher.
“In these past years, our growth as a unit has been evident,”
remarked Santos-Knox thoughtfully.
“While we celebrated milestones like home wins records, our ultimate goal of clinching the Grey Cup still eludes us. The anticipation among everyone to take another shot at it is truly electrifying.”
As familiar faces mingle with fresh talents within the team ranks ahead of the new season, optimism brims over for what lies ahead.
The recent acquisitions such as running back William Stanback and special teams coordinator Rick Campbell have injected renewed vigor into REDBLACKS’ ambition for championship glory. Speaking highly of these additions, Santos-Knox emphasized their invaluable contributions towards fortifying team cohesion and strategy execution essential for pursuing championship honors.
Amongst all developments shaping REDBLACKS’ trajectory stands out the appointment of William Fields as the new defensive coordinator—a move that has stirred immense excitement within Santos-Knox. Having witnessed Fields’ impact firsthand through rival encounters with Toronto Argonauts’ formidable defense over seasons past adds fuel to his competitive spirit.
“Watching Toronto’s stellar defense over years has been inspiring,”
expressed Santos-Knox enthusiastically.
“Bringing someone like Fields onboard with profound CFL knowledge elevates our defensive capabilities significantly.”
Envisioning a Grey Cup victory alongside his committed teammates fuels him further as he gears up for another intense season grind.
Outside football pursuits lie Santos-Knox’s unconventional training regimen involving basketball drills underpinned by lessons from his father—an esteemed gymnastics coach—which uniquely shape his linebacker playstyle akin to a nimble basketball player on turf. This blend not only sustains his physical prowess but also sets him apart in maintaining peak performance levels despite advancing age.
“As I engage in diverse training methods alongside younger athletes daily,”
shared Santos-Knox introspectively,
” I find myself staying agile even as time progresses—a crucial asset in my position.”
Such innovative approaches coupled with unwavering dedication underscore his relentless pursuit of excellence both on and off-field domains.
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