All signs point to Vanterpool being called on Former teacher would suit up in just ninth game of three-down loop career By: Taylor Allen Posted: 6:02 PM CDT Tuesday, Jul. 28, 2026

In a way, Micah Vanterpool’s brief stint as a Grade 3 teacher in his hometown of Tulsa, Okla., prepared him for life in the CFL.

The third-year offensive lineman for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers only has eight career games on his resumé as he has bounced around between the practice roster, starting lineup and injury report.

But thanks to his time in the classroom, he’s developed the patience that’s required by a young American trying to make a name for oneself in the three-down loop.

Vanterpool got into teaching after failing to make the New England Patriots in 2023. He said goodbye to the education profession the following year and took his talents up north to Winnipeg.

“Have you ever been in a room with 28 third graders and they’re all yelling your name at once? ‘Mr. V!’ Mr. V! Mr. V! I need help!’ I promise you, some days I just drove home in silence — no radio, no nothing, just silence,” said Vanterpool after Tuesday’s closed practice.

“I promise, man, it’s a lot easier (playing football) when I know I gotta block this one dude instead of 28 third graders screaming my name.”

He might get to showcase his blocking ability on Thursday when the Bombers (4-3) host the B.C. Lions (1-5).

“It’s a lot easier (playing football) when I know I gotta block this one dude instead of 28 third graders screaming my name.”

Starting right tackle Jarell Broxton went down in last week’s 52-30 home loss against Calgary and, on Monday, Vanterpool took all the first-team reps in his spot.

The 27-year-old has been on the six-game injured list all season but is now ready to rock. All signs point to him finally dressing this week.

“It’s really just a blessing to be able to say I’m a professional football player every day. If little Micah got to hear those words, man, he would be so excited,” said Vanterpool.

“Just gotta go out there and make sure the QB is healthy and make sure the running lanes are open. My job is to go unnoticed. So, if I go unnoticed, that means I had a good game.”

His career may be a blessing, but he’s had to endure some challenges. He won the left guard job out of training camp last season and went on to make six starts before Canadian Gabe Wallace ultimately took over.

“It’s just about challenging yourself every single day because some days are easier than others. We’re all humans, but all you gotta do is be where your feet are,” said Vanterpool.

“I thought that was the hardest part, but also the easiest part because once you’re in a room full of great guys like this, all you gotta know is your time is gonna come.”

Even though he’s yet to suit up in 2026, Vanterpool already has familiarity with Bombers quarterback Dru Brown from when they were teammates at the University of Hawaii in 2017.

Vanterpool was a freshman at the time, meanwhile Brown was the man on campus after leading the program to their first bowl game victory in a decade the year before.

“He was the starting quarterback and he was super cool. He took the time to meet every single one of the freshmen, especially the lineman,” said Vanterpool.

“He was like, ‘What’s up? I’m gonna be your QB.’ And I thought that was really dope.”

Broxton, the highest paid American O-lineman in the CFL, leaves massive shoes to fill, but the Bombers have confidence in his backup.

“He’s full of energy, that guy,” said receiver Nic Demski. “(Vanterpool) wants to be in there, wants to help the team get better. He’s gonna bring energy and strength. He’s a big boy, but at the end of the day, he can move really well also. He’s gonna bring that to the table.”

Demski on struggling offence 

Nic Demski isn’t in denial.

His fellow Winnipegger, Brady Oliveira, was honest after last week’s loss against Calgary and admitted that the offence is lacking an identity.

Demski voiced his own concerns on Tuesday when pressed for his opinion.

“I think we’ve been doing some good things this year, but I don’t think we’ve been a great offence or where we want to be or where our standards at,” said the receiver.

The numbers back that up.

The Bombers are currently ranked seventh in net offence and offensive points per game (25.1). The unit is also sixth in explosive plays (20-plus yard rushes, 30-plus yard passes).

“I believe in this team, I believe in this offence. (But) I think it’s a problem right now at the time and I don’t think it’s a secret to anybody,” said Demski.

“I believe in this team, I believe in this offence. (But) I think it’s a problem right now at the time and I don’t think it’s a secret to anybody.”

The Bombers have also committed 16 turnovers. Only the winless Ottawa Redblacks (19) have more.

“When you talk about turnovers, sometimes it’s labelled as one position, but that’s really from every position on that offensive field. That’s from all 12 guys out on that offensive field. I know my position group, we need to be better as well,” said Demski.

“Do I think it’s a problem right now? Yeah, I do, especially when we’re not winning games. But at the end of the day, I think it’s a fixable problem and that’s probably the best thing about it.”

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