Taylor Shire
Regina Leader-Post
Although it took a little convincing, DaMarcus Fields is as happy as ever that he came to the CFL.
Following a college career at Texas Tech, the Texas product signed with the NFL’s New Orleans Saints in 2022, playing two games for the club that season, before signing with the Washington Commanders that same year.
After attending training camp in 2023 with the Commanders, Fields was among the final cuts prior to the season.
In March 2024, the Saskatchewan Roughriders announced the signing of Fields, who earned a starting cornerback spot in his rookie season and has gone on to become a mainstay in Saskatchewan’s lineup.
With the Roughriders currently on a bye week, we caught up with Fields to discuss his journey to the CFL and what it took to get him here:
Name: DaMarcus Fields
Position: Defensive halfback
Number: 22
Age: 27
Height and weight: 6-foot-0, 200 pounds
Hometown: Taylor, Texas
“It’s like 45 minutes outside of Austin, Texas.”
When did you get into football?
“Four years old. I started at a very young age. My mom played football as well. So that’s really one of the main reasons why I played football.
“It was flag; Pop Warner. I was in that for a minute until tackle and everything.
“I played wide receiver (and) running back. I think my junior year is when I started playing cornerback.
“They hit you with that, ‘Oh, everybody can’t be a wide receiver, you know you might be just good at DB.’ So I went to DB, and it was probably the best choice for me.”
Any other sports growing up?
“Football, basketball, track. I tried baseball, but I ended up with like two black eyes.
“I was really good at track. I probably ran with the fastest person on the planet. His name is Fred Kerley (2020 Olympic silver medallist, 2022 world championship gold medallist and 2024 Olympic bronze medallist in the 100-metre sprint).”
What was your football journey after high school?
“I was able to start all my years in college, and I started at cornerback and played nickel as well. Ended up going to the (NFL) where I went to New Orleans Saints undrafted. And then I went to the (Washington) Commanders after a year. And now I’m here in the CFL, where this is the best part of it.
“I played like three games for the Saints. My last game was in London (England) so it was crazy. I would never forget it.”
How did you end up signing with the Roughriders?
“I got a call from (head coach Corey) Mace. At first, I really didn’t know. I didn’t have enough information or knowledge about the CFL, so it took me a minute. But then I started hitting up some friends, some guys over here.
“And it turns out it’s a lot of guys over here … I even invited a bunch of my friends and told them to come play in the CFL. And I feel like it’s a good opportunity. It’s not easy, but it’s definitely a good opportunity. And if you love football, then you’ll come play.”
Hobbies outside of football?
“I love tech. I like music. I love playing other sports as well.”
Any other jobs besides playing football?
“I used to be a land surveyor, which was one of my first jobs ever … It was my junior year in college (during the pandemic).”
Favourite football memory?
“My favourite football memory over the years would probably just be like the friendships I have made over the past (number of years) playing football.
“You make over a lot of friendships and you build a lot of relationships. I value that a lot.”
Any superstitions?
“I wear the same girdle … same girdle since college.”
Hidden talent?
“I’m probably the best Call of Duty player in the locker room.”
What else do you want fans to know about you?
“I love the fans. If you ever see me out, please converse with me. I always like to build relationships, and I’m just happy to be here.”
tshire@postmedia.com
