ACQUIRED: Signed by Roughriders in April 2024.

YEARS WITH ROUGHRIDERS: 2

YEARS IN CFL: 2

2024: suiting up for 17 games, Avery recorded 50 defensive tackles, nine special teams tackles, one sack, three interceptions and one forced fumble. He registered his first CFL interception in his first game as a Roughrider — a 29-21 victory over the host Edmonton Elks on June 8 … registered interception with 33 seconds left to set up game-winning field goal in Hamilton on June 16, becoming the first player since Harry Skipper (October 1986) to register at least one pick in each of his first two games as a Roughrider … first CFL sack, Aug. 8 at Ottawa … 40-yard interception return to set up field goal on final play of first half, Oct. 12 vs. B.C.; also made two special teams tackles … 10 defensive tackles in Western Final, Nov. 9 at Winnipeg.

PRO: Signed with Chicago as an undrafted free agent in 2022 and attended training camp with the Bears. He went on to play for the Vegas Vipers of the XFL in 2023, starting in all 10 games and making 62 tackles.

COLLEGE: Played five collegiate seasons (2017-21) at the University of Louisville, suiting up for 54 games as a Cardinal. He registered 349 tackles (including 20 for a loss), nine sacks, three interceptions, 16 pass deflections, two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. In 2019 and 2020, he led the Cardinals in tackles — with 93 and 78, respectively. He was also named the team’s top defensive player in 2019.

FAST FACT: Avery, as a member of the Vegas Vipers, registered the first interception in the history of the revived XFL.

MEDIA

• Roughriders rookie camp: A very good day for Avery
• Video: Interview after Day 3 of rookie camp
• Video: June 16, 2024 post-game
• Roughriders’ C.J. Avery produces quick picks