{"id":17661,"date":"2025-02-19T20:52:09","date_gmt":"2025-02-19T20:52:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/torontotribune.ca\/index.php\/2025\/02\/19\/emmanuel-rugamba-welcomes-chance-to-help-elks-return-to-cfl-playoffs-edmonton\/"},"modified":"2025-02-19T20:52:09","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T20:52:09","slug":"emmanuel-rugamba-welcomes-chance-to-help-elks-return-to-cfl-playoffs-edmonton","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/torontotribune.ca\/index.php\/2025\/02\/19\/emmanuel-rugamba-welcomes-chance-to-help-elks-return-to-cfl-playoffs-edmonton\/","title":{"rendered":"Emmanuel Rugamba welcomes chance to help Elks return to CFL playoffs – Edmonton"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Emmanuel Rugamba embraces the challenge of helping the Edmonton Elks<\/a> return to the CFL<\/a> playoffs.<\/p>\n

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The veteran linebacker\/defensive back was part of Edmonton general manager Ed Hervey\u2019s deep dive into CFL free agency earlier this month.<\/p>\n

Rugamba was among several veterans Hervey, in his second tenure with the Elks, added to his roster, including: defensive backs Royce Metchie and Tyrell Ford, defensive linemen Robbie Smith, Jake Ceresna, Jared Brinkman and Brandon Barlow, punter Cody Grace and receiver Steven Dunbar.<\/p>\n

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This followed Canadian quarterback Tre Ford \u2014 Tyrell\u2019s twin brother \u2014 and linebacker Nyles Morgan being among those who signed extensions. Edmonton (7-11) was fourth in the West Division this season and last made the playoffs in 2019.<\/p>\n

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\u201cPressure is a privilege,\u201d said Rugamba, who spent the last three seasons with the B.C. Lions. \u201cBeing a part of the Edmonton Elks is a privilege and that includes whatever pressure that might come with it.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThat fan base is electric and I want to go out there and give them my best. The pressure is something I look forward to.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The five-foot-11, 194-pound Rugamba registered 73 tackles, one special-teams tackle, one sack and an interception in 16 regular-season games last year with B.C. The \u201923 West Division all-star appeared in 44 regular-season contests with the Lions, recording 169 tackles, 10 special-teams tackles, four sacks and two interceptions.<\/p>\n

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\u201cEmmanuel is a highly motivated, intelligent and well-rounded person,\u201d said Kenny Kim of Summit Athletes, Rugamba\u2019s Florida-based agent. \u201cHe got to experience free agency for the first time this off-season and made a business decision to sign with the team that will best showcase his skillset.<\/p>\n

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\u201cI have full confidence he\u2019ll again be one of the top defensive players in the league.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Rugamba, 26, joined B.C. after making NFL history in 2021. He signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent, becoming the first player of Rwandan descent to join a league team.<\/p>\n

\u201cI definitely think about that,\u201d Rugamba said. \u201cIt just goes to show you\u2019ve got to be grateful for every opportunity you get.<\/p>\n

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\u201cJust the feedback I got from that and continue to get to this day, it\u2019s something I take tremendous pride in. I\u2019m definitely playing for more than myself every time I put the pads on.\u201d<\/p>\n

An opportunity that came from very humble beginnings.<\/p>\n

Rugamba was born in a refugee camp in Zambia to Rwandan parents. His family had been displaced by the Rwandan civil war and spent two years in the camp before emigrating to Chicago.<\/p>\n

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