It has been quite the week for
Jesse Gibbon (Hamilton/) of the Warriors football program. The fourth year graduating senior went second overall in the CFL Draft on Thursday, and just five days later received an invite to the Pittsburgh Steelers mini-camp.
Gibbon will head to Pittsburgh this weekend to take part in the mini-camp that runs from May 10-12.
"We're starting to think black and gold is the only colour scheme that works for Jesse," said head coach
Chris Bertoia, as Gibbon continues to stick with the Warriors colours.
"Fortunately for us, Jesse made a choice four years ago to be in our black and gold, earn a degree, and achieve his goals on and off the field. Now both the Hamilton Ti-Cats and Pittsburgh Steelers have given him a great opportunity, and he has earned every bit of this. He now needs to seize this opportunity and make the most of it, and all of us know he will do just that."
Gibbon, who received the prestigious Shield of Excellence Award at the 2019 Athletics Awards Banquet, has been the epitome of a Warrior student-athlete since joining the Warriors in 2015.
"He's got an incredible work ethic and puts 100 percent into everything he does both on the field and in the classroom. He exemplifies what it means to be a Warrior."
If Gibbon can impress and turn heads at the 3-day mini-camp, he will then be signed on as a free agent and will join their full training camp. Otherwise, he will return to Hamilton to fight for an opening day spot with the Ti-Cats, where their season gets underway on Thursday, June 13 at home against Saskatchewan.
"I'm incredibly excited for the opportunity to dip into pro football at the NFL level. It is mind blowing and the exposure and experience I gain will be valuable in helping me transition from university level football to the pro level," commented Gibbon.
"I have no expectations other than going out there and giving it my best."
