ACQUIRED: Signed by Roughriders in April 2024.

YEARS WITH ROUGHRIDERS: 1

YEARS IN CFL: 1

PRO: Signed with Chicago as an undrafted free agent in 2022 and attended training camp with the Bears. He went on play for the Vegas Vipers of the XFL in 2023, starting in all 10 games and making 62 tackles. 

COLLEGE: Played five collegiate seasons (2017-21) at the University of Louisville, suiting up for 54 games as a Cardinal. He registered 349 tackles (including 20 for a loss), nine sacks, three interceptions, 16 pass deflections, two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. In 2019 and 2020, he led the Cardinals in tackles — with 93 and 78, respectively. He was also named the team’s top defensive player in 2019. 

FAST FACT: Avery, as a member of the Vegas Vipers, registered the first interception in the history of the revived XFL. On Feb. 18, 2023, he picked off a pass by the Arlington Renegades’ Drew Pitt with 40 seconds remaining in the first half. In the first iteration of the XFL, Paul McCallum of the Las Vegas Outlaws scored the first points in league history, courtesy of a 25-yard field goal against the New York/New Jersey Hitmen in 2001. McCallum returned to the Roughriders in time for the 2001 CFL season.

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