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All-star punter Richie Leone signs extension with Ottawa Redblacks

OTTAWA — All-star punter Richie Leone signed a one-year extension with the Ottawa Redblacks on Monday. Leone earned his fifth all-star nod this year after punting for 4,399 yards on 117 attempts.
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Ottawa Redblacks kicker Richie Leone (13) takes part in a team walk though of Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton on Nov. 24, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

OTTAWA — All-star punter Richie Leone signed a one-year extension with the Ottawa Redblacks on Monday.

Leone earned his fifth all-star nod this year after punting for 4,399 yards on 117 attempts.

The 31-year-old American played in all 18 Redblacks games in 2023 and has suited up for 104 games for B.C. and Ottawa during his CFL career. He has a total of 26,446 yards on 688 punts with a career average of 47.4 yards per punt. 

"Punting footballs at TD Place is my absolute favorite thing to do and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue doing it with the Redblacks," said Leone. "I love this city and this organization and I’m counting down the days until we're back on the field. 

"Until then, see you on the canal."

After kicking off his CFL career in 2016 with the Lions, Leone made the move to Ottawa in 2018 and has been a mainstay on the roster ever since. 

Leone is part of a one-two punch on special teams with record-setting kicker Lewis Ward, with Leone also serving as holder on field goals and single-point converts. 

"It’s awesome that the Dynamic Duo is sticking together," said Redblacks head coach Bob Dyce. "Signing Richie was an important piece of business to take care of; as his track record shows, he is the best in the league at what he does.

"He continues to perform at an elite level and has since he came into the CFL."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 11, 2023.

The Canadian Press