Graphic: 3DownNation (Photo: Ottawa Redblacks)
The Ottawa Redblacks have re-signed Global defensive lineman Blessman Ta’ala.
The 26-year-old from American Samoa played 17 games in 2025, registering 16 defensive tackles and four quarterback sacks.
Ta’ala was originally selected by the Redblacks with the first overall pick in the 2023 CFL Global Draft. In 47 games over three seasons, he has amassed 29 defensive tackles, one special teams tackle, six quarterback sacks and one forced fumble.
The six-foot-two, 305-pound gap plugger played 64 games over five seasons at the University of Hawaii, recording 142 total tackles and four sacks. He was a three-time All-Mountain West honourable mention with the Rainbow Warriors.
The Ottawa Redblacks finished fourth in the East Division standings in 2025 with a 4-14 record, missing the playoffs for the fifth time in the last six seasons. Dru Brown went 2-7 over nine starts at quarterback, throwing for 2,389 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Dustin Crum went 2-4 over six starts, throwing for 1,771 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions.
The Redblacks ranked sixth in net offence, fifth in net defence, and ninth with a turnover differential of minus-16. The club’s leading rusher was William Stanback with 698 yards, the leading receiver was Justin Hardy with 1,019 yards, and the leading tackler was Adarius Pickett with 84 tackles. Ottawa finished eighth in attendance with average crowds of 18,136, which was a 4.2 percent decrease from the previous year.