The Ottawa Redblacks have their new man under centre.
On Tuesday, the team officially introduced Matt Nichols as its new quarterback for the 2021-22 season, pending the season happens.
The 33-year-old pivot says after a tumultuous offseason, which saw him released by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, signed and released by the Toronto Argonauts, and signed again by the Redblacks – he’s just ready to get back to football.
“I mean, I’ve played some of my best football in that stadium.” Nichols said. “All these things kind of came together where this was an opportunity for me. It was a no-brainer and I just jumped at it, made a quick decision and you go with your gut feelings and what feels right and coming to Ottawa is what felt right to me and my family and we couldn’t be more excited for how it worked out.”
Nichols last saw game action during the 2019 campaign, which was ended prematurely by a season-ending shoulder injury.
At the time, he was leading the league in touchdowns passes with 15, and passer rating (107.3).
The injury caused the Bombers to replace Nichols with Zach Collaros, who led Winnipeg to a Grey Cup.
While it was an unfortunate end to his time with Winnipeg, Nichols says he’s ready for the next stage of his career.
“I’m taking this opportunity and making the best of it and I feel like this opportunity to be able to come and play in Ottawa is an opportunity that excites me, energizes me, and I cannot wait to get to work with my teammates,” Nichols said.
As far as getting back into football shape following his injury, Nichols says he’s thankful for the extended offseason.
“I’m in the best shape of my life because we’ve had a whole year of just working out. So, the body doesn’t get beat up, not having a season last year,” Nichols added. “I feel great, I’ve added a bunch of things and I wish we were starting tomorrow.”
CFL free agency officially opens on February 9.