The Ottawa Redblacks released offensive lineman Darta Lee on Thursday according to the CFL Transactions page.
Darta Lee is six foot three and weighs 313 pounds. The 26-year-old from Alief, Texas, spent time with the Arlington Renegades (XFL), and later signed with the Memphis Showboats (USFL) on May 9, 2023, and appeared in one game before spending the rest of the season on injured reserve.
The Toronto Argonauts signed Lee on April 24, 2024. He played left tackle in two preseason games before the Argonauts released him on June 2, 2024. The Ottawa Redblacks signed Lee on September 18, 2024, and spent two months on the practice squad.
Collegiately, Lee played one season at Illinois in 2016 playing guard in six games for the Fighting Illini. He was the first Illini true freshman to start on the offensive line in the season opener in at least 20 seasons. Next, Lee transferred to Kilgore College in 2017 finishing the season averaging 368.1 yards per game, 268.4 rushing yards per game, 199.7 passing yards per game, and 26.2 points per game.
Then, Lee transferred to UTEP (2018-20) playing left tackle in 30 games for Miners. In 2020, UTEP’s offensive line helped pave the way for a rushing attack that scored 16 touchdowns and surpassed 1,000 yards on the season.
