CFL B.C. Lions

BC Lions Re-Sign Offensive Lineman Ben Fairbrother

Published on November 25, 2003 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
B.C. Lions News Release


VANCOUVER, B.C., November 25, 2003 – BC Lions Head Coach and General Manager Wally Buono today announced that the BC Lions have re-signed offensive lineman Ben Fairbrother. In keeping with team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Ben is a huge asset to us on the offensive line," said Buono. "His versatility gives us some options if there are injuries, but our goal is to have him play primarily at the right guard spot, because he has performed at a very high level at that position.

Fairbrother originally signed with the Lions as a free agent on March 9, 2001, after spending four seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The Calgary, Alberta native was originally drafted by the Riders in the first round (2nd overall) of the 1997 Canadian College Draft. In his first season with the Lions in 2001, Fairbrother played in all 18 games and was the utility man on the o-line, as he rotated between guard and tackle and also served as the back-up long snapper. In 2002, Fairbrother was slated to be the starting right guard coming out of training camp, but he started the season at left tackle due to a preseason injury to Wes White. In the season-opening loss to the Alouettes in Montreal, Fairbrother tore the tricep muscle on his left arm. He missed the rest of the season.

This season Fairbrother returned to the Lions, and played in all 18 regular-season games and the Eastern Semi-Final loss to Toronto. After beginning the season at right guard, Fairbrother was forced to move to the unfamiliar left tackle position after O'Lester Pope went down with a season-ending injury; ironically, Pope suffered the same tricep tear that Fairbrother had experienced the previous season. Fairbrother then anchored the line from the left side, until moving back to right tackle when Freddie Moore was signed and eventually added to the active roster before Week 16.

After playing his college ball in his hometown for the University of Calgary Dinosaurs, Fairbrother played 58 games in a Roughrider uniform from 1997-2000. In 1997 and 1999 he played in all 18 games for Saskatchewan, helping the Riders to a Grey Cup appearance in 1997, their first since 1989.

BC Lions season tickets for 2004 are now on sale. To order 2004 BC Lions season tickets at 2003 prices, be sure to put down a deposit by December 15th, 2003. To find out more information check out www.bclions.com or call 604.589.ROAR (7627).

Season Tickets are now on sale. To order your 2004 BC Lions Season Tickets at 2003 prices, be sure to put down a deposit by December 15th. Find out more on www.bclions.com or Call 604 589 ROAR.

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Canadian Football League Stories from November 25, 2003


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