‘Everybody’s welcomed me in like a family’

It’s been a whirlwind few days for Nuer Gatkuoth.

On Sunday, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ fourth overall pick in the 2026 CFL Draft wrapped up rookie mini-camp with the Denver Broncos. While the 24-year-old Edmonton product didn’t land an NFL contract, he quickly shifted his focus north to Winnipeg.

Gatkuoth arrived in the city Tuesday night — his first time in the ’Peg — grabbed dinner, sat through meetings and then reported to Princess Auto Stadium Wednesday morning for his first taste of Blue Bombers training camp, which started Sunday.

“I grew up Canadian, so I love Canadian ball,” Gatkuoth said. “So once I didn’t get the shot with Denver, I was like, immediately, let me go play with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Because, you know, I grew up watching the CFL. I was an Elks fan as a kid. So coming here is great, I love the Blue.”

The Bombers signed the 6-4, 227-pound defensive end on Tuesday.

“I had a great flight here, and everybody’s welcomed me in like a family. So it’s been great so far,” he said.

Gatkuoth finished his NCAA career at Wake Forest, where he recorded 39 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, six quarterback sacks and one forced fumble in 12 games. He was also named a finalist for the 2025 Jon Cornish Trophy, awarded annually to the top Canadian player in NCAA football.

“I really just want to prop the team anyway I can, whether that’s special teams, on the defence, because I know my ability. I know how I can play this game, and I can affect any team.”

Prior to that, he spent three seasons at Colorado State (2022–24), redshirting in his first year, before playing in 17 games over his final two seasons with the Rams, recording 68 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception and two forced fumbles.

“Just a guy who’s relentless,” Gatkuoth said on what he hopes the Bombers see from him. “Guy who just gets after it every day, you know, come in here, coming to work, and puts everything on the line. So just a guy who is there for his teammates and really loves the ball.”

“I really just want to prop the team anyway I can, whether that’s special teams, on the defence, because I know my ability. I know how I can play this game, and I can affect any team.”

It was more of an observational first day for Gatkuoth, who said he spent much of Wednesday learning the defence and trying to pick up “bits and pieces” from watching veterans like Willie Jefferson and the rest of the defensive line.

“I watched (Jefferson) before I came here,” Gatkuoth said. “So seeing him, he’s been a great, great mentor for me so far.”

Along with Jefferson, Gatkuoth joins a defensive line loaded with experience, with Jake Ceresna, De’Shaan Dixon, Kydran Jenkins and Kemari Munier-Bailey all battling for roles throughout camp.

“Just excited to see what he can bring,” Jefferson said of Gatkuoth. “What he can bring to the team, right. Saw his tape, his highlight tape and his film and stuff from college and things like that. Just want to see what he can do. He’s young. He’s anxious, you know? He’s ready to work. Seems like he has a lot of energy and things like that, wanting to learn and stuff like that, already asking a lot of questions.”

Head coach Mike O’Shea said there hasn’t been much time yet to fully get to know Gatkuoth, given his quick arrival into camp.

“He’s a good kid,” O’Shea said. “He’s in shape. He’s ready to go. You know, he’s up here sooner than we thought. He’s a competitive guy. His film shows that he can, given his physical stature, he packs a lot more punch than you may think, and you put the film on, you see it, so you’re excited.”

While Winnipeg’s defence finished first in opponent completion rate (62.2 per cent), second in passing yards allowed (261.4), and third in points allowed (23.6 per game), the club will be looking to add more punch to its pass rush after managing just 23 sacks last season.

O’Shea added that Jefferson’s natural leadership is a key asset in that process, noting his willingness to help younger players develop and do whatever it takes to elevate the group.

“Everybody wants to be better than last year across the board,” O’Shea said. “Teams — you could win it all, and you still want to be a better version of yourself, right? So we’re in that same boat.”

Camp updates

Defensive lineman Cam Lawson did not practice Wednesday but is “good.” Tanner Schmekel was in street clothes and also did not take part, but is also “good” according to O’Shea.

O’Shea said an update on linebacker Jovan Santos-Knox should be available in the coming days after he left practice less than 90 minutes into the opening day of training camp with an apparent leg injury.

The Blue Bombers also announced the following roster moves:

American defensive backs Michael Dixon, Jordan Taylor and Alijah McGhee; American defensive lineman Eric Black; American linebacker Aaron Smith; American receiver Jahmal Banks; and American offensive linemen Joe More and Tariq Stewart have all been released from the roster.

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