Former Minnesota Gopher Stoudermire finds home in the CFL

Troy Stoudermire came to the University of Minnesota as a three-star recruit in 2008 out of Skyline High School in Dallas, Texas. At the University of Minnesota, he played under Tim Brewster and Jerry Kill as a wide receiver, defensive back and kick returner. His versatility made him an asset to the Gold Gophers during his time there.

During his career with the Gophers, he set FBS records for most kick return yards in a career with 3,615. He also was a dependable presence as a defensive back. Stoudermire went undrafted in the 2013 NFL draft but received an invite to training camp from the Cincinnati Bengals. He was released before the start of the 2013 regular season.

Without much other interest from the NFL he took his talents to the Canadian Football League where he signed a practice squad contract with Saskatchewan Roughriders but again was cut. Never the less Stoudermire showed his grit and continued looking for work, this time a chance with the Vikings. Again he found himself cut prior to the regular season opener.

After an injury-plagued 2016, Stoudermire sat out 2017 and came back in 2018 to sign with the Calgary Stampeders where he appeared in 9 games in another injury prone season. However, Stoudermire did help the Stampeders in their efforts on the way to a Grey Cup.

Entering 2019, the now 28-year-old Stoudermire, signed as a free agent with the Ottawa Redblacks.  The Redblacks finished first the Eastern Division in 2018 and lost in the Grey Cup to the Stampeders and Stoudermire.

No telling where Stoudermire will go from here but he’s happy in life, enjoying bringing his family along for the ride. Perhaps with a fully healthy season in 2019 he can establish himself more prominently in the CFL.