The Calgary Stampeders and offensive lineman Zack Williams agreed to a two-year contract extension through the 2024 season on Monday. In addition, the Stampeders signed former Okanagan Sun’s defensive lineman Kelon Thomas to a one-year contract.
Zack Williams, a 25-year-old from Winnipeg, Manitoba, played 18 games last season at left guard. The Stampeders drafted Williams in the third round (28th pick) in the 2019 CFL Draft. This will be Williams’s fourth season in Calgary. He’s played 34 games in his CFL career.
“We’re excited to bring Zack back for two more years and for him to continue his development as a key piece of one of the top O-line groups in the CFL,” said Stampeders general manager and head coach Dave Dickenson. “We want players like Zack on our team, and we look forward to watching him work in 2023.”
Collegiately, Williams played four seasons at the University of Manitoba (2015-18). He played 32 games for the Bisons with one defensive tackle. In addition, Williams played for the Winnipeg Riffles of the CJFL.
Kelon Thomas, a 22-year-old from Scarborough, Ontario, had 20.5 tackles, 11.5 sacks, one blocked kick, one pass breakup, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in ten games for the Okanagan Sun (CJFL) in the 2022 season. In addition, Thomas had seven tackles and two sacks helping the Sun win the 2022 CJFL Canadian Bowl over the Regina Thunder 21-19.
It was the first time in 22 years that Okanagan won a championship. Thomas played three seasons with Okanagan (2019, 2021-22) with 43 tackles, 18 sacks, one blocked kick, three pass breakups, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in 21 games.
