Lorenzo Mauldin IV has ended his retirement from the CFL, signing with the B.C. Lions. The defensive lineman’s return to professional play was announced on Monday, marking a new chapter after a brief retirement.
Mauldin, who stands six-foot-four and weighs 257 pounds, last played for the Calgary Stampeders. He was acquired by Calgary in a mid-season trade with the Ottawa Redblacks during the 2025 season. His last appearance on the field was in the 2025 Western Semi-Final against the Lions.
Mauldin’s CFL Career Highlights
Mauldin established himself as a prominent defensive player during his time in the CFL. He was recognized as the league’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2022. That season, he led the league with 17 sacks while playing for the Ottawa Redblacks.
Across 67 regular-season games with Ottawa from 2022-25, Mauldin accumulated 150 tackles, 32 sacks, and forced three fumbles. His performance earned him two selections to the All-CFL team in 2022 and 2024, and he was also an East Division All-CFL selection in those years.
His CFL journey began with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, where he played in 2019 and again from 2021-22. During his tenure with Hamilton, he recorded 13 tackles and four sacks in 17 regular-season games. Mauldin also participated in the 2019 Grey Cup game against Winnipeg.
Overall, Mauldin has played six CFL seasons, representing the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Ottawa Redblacks, and Calgary Stampeders. Over 91 regular-season games, he has registered 163 defensive tackles, 12 special teams tackles, 36 sacks, and six forced fumbles.
Previous Professional Experience and Retirement Decision
Before his CFL career, Mauldin was drafted by the New York Jets in the third round, 82nd overall, of the 2015 NFL Draft. He spent two seasons in the NFL, appearing in 26 games. During this time, he recorded 33 total tackles, including 20 solo tackles and 13 assisted tackles, along with 6.5 sacks and one forced fumble.
Mauldin attended Louisville from 2011-14, where he played in 47 games. His collegiate statistics include 120 total tackles (78 solo, 42 assisted), 34 tackles for a loss, 21 sacks, and six forced fumbles.
In March, Mauldin had signed a one-day contract to officially retire as a member of the Ottawa Redblacks. He had also signed with the United Football League’s Louisville Kings in February before deciding to retire. However, he has now chosen to continue his professional playing career with the B.C. Lions.
Lions’ Roster Additions and Upcoming Game
In addition to Mauldin, the B.C. Lions have also signed American offensive lineman Tyran Walker-Hunt to their practice roster. Walker-Hunt, who is six-foot-seven and weighs 315 pounds, spent the entirety of 2025 on the Lions’ practice squad and remained with the club through week five of the current season.
Walker-Hunt’s previous professional experience includes playing for the Indoor Football League Frisco Fighters in 2024, where he earned a spot on the IFL All-Rookie Team. He began his professional career in 2023 with the United Football League San Antonio Brahmas.
The B.C. Lions, with a current record of 1-5, are scheduled to visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (4-3) at Princess Auto Stadium on Thursday, July 30. Kickoff for the game is set for 8:30 p.m. EDT.

The Lions recently experienced a loss to the Toronto Argonauts. The upcoming game against the Blue Bombers will be broadcast on TSN and RDS in Canada, and on CFL+ internationally. Radio coverage will be available on 730 CKNW (English) and Sher-E-Punjab Radio AM 600 (Punjabi) in Vancouver, and 680 CJOB in Winnipeg.
Source: globalnews.ca