The Rouge et Noir acquire the rights to a veteran NFL quarterback

The Ottawa Red and Black are showing interest in a quarterback who knows the NFL well. The team has added Brett Rypien to its active roster. This name might hide a more interesting story than it first appears.

Born in Spokane, Washington, Rypien is registered as an American player by Ottawa. However, he may be eligible for Canadian citizenship. He is the nephew of Mark Rypien, a Calgary native who played 15 seasons in the NFL and was named MVP of Super Bowl XXVI.

His father, Tim, was drafted by the Montreal Expos and the Toronto Blue Jays, then played in the minor leagues in Medicine Hat, Alberta. It is unknown where he was born, but he is reportedly less than three years younger than Mark—the age Mark was when the family allegedly left Canada.

This detail could change everything. An American player eligible for Canadian citizenship through his parents can be removed from a team's active roster to regularize his status and then enter the league via the draft. Ottawa, in fact, holds the first overall pick in the 2027 CFL draft.

A Career as a Reserve Player in the NFL

Rypien, 30, began his NFL career in 2019 with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent. In four seasons in Colorado, he posted a 2-1 record as a starter. He then played for several teams, including the Rams, Seahawks, Jets, Vikings, Bengals, and Colts. He was released by the Buccaneers on October 27.

In seven NFL seasons, he completed 58.3% of his passes for 950 yards, four touchdowns, and nine interceptions. At Boise State, he was the starting quarterback for four years and threw for 13,578 yards and 90 touchdowns.

Being on a trade list doesn't necessarily mean the player is interested in the CFL. But with a 1-17 record this season, the Red and Black are in desperate need of stability at the quarterback position.

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