Nigel Romick: Celebrating a decade with the Ottawa REDBLACKS 

Meet Nigel Romick, a defensive lineman for the Ottawa REDBLACKS, and a proud CAA Member.   

Hailing from Thunder Bay, Romick joins the REDBLACKS for his 10th season this year. Fun fact: he's the last original player from the REDBLACKS lineup from the 2014 Canadian Football League (CFL) season! 

Growing up athletic

Surrounded by sports from a young age, Romick and his siblings played volleyball, soccer, basketball, and hockey. But it was football that truly stuck. He joined his high school team in grade 10, forming lifelong friendships and honing his skills. But it wasn't until university that he started thinking about a professional career. 

At Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Romick shone as a Husky. His dedication and hard work paid off, and he quickly became a standout player. His standout moment came in his third year at the U Sport's annual East-West Bowl—a preseason all-star game showcasing the best Canadian university players eligible for the CFL Draft. There, amidst the excitement and competition of the game, Romick began to see he had a real shot at making it professionally. His performance caught the attention of scouts and coaches, further fueling his ambitions to pursue a football career. 

Life with the Ottawa REDBLACKS

In 2014, the Ottawa REDBLACKS drafted Romick in the third round. He joined the REDBLACKS for their inaugural season as a defensive lineman on special teams. He played his first professional football game on July 3, 2014, as the team made their CFL debut.   

Over the past nine seasons, Romick has played 89 career games with the REDBLACKS, recording 101 tackles. He helped the team win the 2016 Grey Cup, though he was injured and unable to play in the 2016 Grey Cup game.   

In the 2023 season, Romick played 16 games, adding eight special teams tackles and two defensive tackles to his game stats. He signed a one-year contract extension with the REDBLACKS on January 11, 2024, and hopes to bring another Grey Cup to the team.   

Romick is the only remaining player from the original REDBLACKS lineup from the 2014 season. He returns to celebrate his 10th year and the 10th anniversary of the REDBLACKS.  

As a defensive lineman, Romick has his teammates back on the field. Off the field, CAA has come to his rescue, such as the time we retrieved his keys from his locked vehicle.  

Cheer on the Ottawa REDBLACKS and Romick

Celebrate Romick's 10th year and the REDBLACKS' 10th anniversary! Cheer them on this summer, and remember, when you buy your tickets through the CAA Rewards portal, you can save up to 30% on REDBLACKS home games this summer.