It looks like the 26-year-old former Oklahoma Sooner has worked his way into the starting lineup for the Ottawa Redblacks.
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It’s not like Jordan Smallwood hasn’t had professional opportunities.
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The receiver got looks from the Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers and L.A. Chargers, and, back in 2018, was with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. In 2020, he was with the XFL’s Los Angeles Wildcats.
Now, it looks like the 26-year-old former Oklahoma Sooner has worked his way into the starting lineup for the Ottawa Redblacks, taking first-team reps for the team leading into Saturday’s season-opening game in Edmonton. Through the rejections, through being told no, Smallwood said while Plan B was working as a personal trainer, he never wavered from Plan A — playing football for a living, with his parents giving him a nudge to put his nose down, keep his chin up and keep chasing the dream.
“When I was young, I’m not going to lie, I took (rejection) hard at first,” said Smallwood. “After time, you start to realize it’s not going to defeat me, I’m going to keep going and going. The opportunity will come. Somewhere I’ll be accepted. I wanted to have that mindset and it’s paid off. I’m in a great spot right now with a great group of guys that are hungry to play. I think this can be something special.
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“It’s a blessing, coming to Canada to play for a great organization. I had an opportunity in the XFL, that was fun. I wanted to keep that same mindset, that same energy and make a difference any way I can for this team.”
In 2018, Smallwood was in training camp with the Chiefs. He played in three pre-season games, with two receptions for 44 yards. He played 47 college games for the Sooners, with two starts and 18 receptions for 170 yards.
At 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, Smallwood brings size and physicality to Ottawa’s receiving corps.
“I’m big and strong, and I’m low-key fast — nobody understands that,” he said.
A NICE CATCH: 'Low-key fast' Jordan Smallwood adds size to Ottawa Redblacks receiving corps - Ottawa Sun
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