Calgary Stampeders Strengthen Offensive Line with D'Antne Demery Extension
The Calgary Stampeders have taken a significant step to solidify their offensive line for the upcoming Canadian Football League seasons by securing a key player. The club announced on Thursday that they have signed offensive lineman D'Antne Demery to a one-year contract extension, which will keep him with the team through the 2027 CFL campaign.
Commitment to Continuity on the Offensive Front
Stampeders General Manager and Head Coach Dave Dickenson emphasized the importance of maintaining stability on the offensive line. "The best offensive lines are those with continuity," Dickenson stated. "D'Antne's extended commitment to the team is appreciated, and I look forward to him being here for the next two seasons." This move underscores the team's strategy to build a cohesive unit that can perform consistently over multiple seasons.
Demery, a 28-year-old native of Brunswick, Georgia, has become an integral part of the Stampeders' lineup. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 326 pounds, he has found a home in Calgary after starting his CFL career with the Edmonton Elks in 2021, where he made one appearance. Since joining the Stampeders, Demery has played and started in a total of 38 regular-season games and two playoff contests over the past three seasons.
Demery's Impact and Future Aspirations
In the 2025 season, Demery suited up as the Stampeders' left tackle in 15 games, demonstrating his reliability and skill on the field. His performance has been a cornerstone of the team's offensive efforts, contributing to their competitive edge in the league.
Expressing his enthusiasm for staying in Calgary, Demery said, "I wanted to stay in Calgary because I love the city and the organization. I want to be able to fight for a Grey Cup with my brothers." This sentiment highlights his dedication to the team and his desire to contribute to a championship pursuit, aligning with the Stampeders' goals for future success.
Off-Season Additions to the Offensive Line
Earlier in the off-season, the Stampeders also welcomed two American offensive linemen to bolster their roster:
- Gerald Mincey: A 23-year-old from Pompano Beach, Florida, Mincey stands at 6-foot-6 and weighs 325 pounds. He starred with the NCAA's Kentucky Wildcats, starting the first seven games of the season before missing the final four due to injury. Prior to Kentucky, he played two seasons with the Tennessee Volunteers, appearing in 22 games and making 14 starts. Mincey began his collegiate career at Florida, making his debut in the 2020 Cotton Bowl and dressing for 10 games as a reserve in 2021.
- Chris Murray: A 25-year-old native of Los Angeles, Murray weighs in at 6-foot-3 and 308 pounds. He signed as an undrafted free agent with the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023 and later joined the Indoor Football League's Massachusetts Pirates in 2025. In college, Murray played 30 games over three years with the NCAA's Oklahoma Sooners, starting at right guard in all 25 games during his final two seasons. He earned second-team all-Big 12 Conference honors by the media in 2021 and honorable mention selections by coaches in both 2021 and 2022. Murray started his collegiate career at UCLA, where he started 24 games over two seasons, initially playing center before moving to guard.
These additions, combined with Demery's extension, signal a proactive approach by the Stampeders to enhance their offensive line depth and talent. By securing experienced players like Demery and integrating new prospects, the team aims to build a robust lineup capable of competing at the highest level in the CFL.
The Stampeders' focus on continuity and strategic recruitment positions them well for the upcoming seasons, as they work towards their ultimate goal of contending for the Grey Cup. With Demery's leadership and the infusion of new talent, fans can look forward to a strengthened offensive front that promises exciting performances on the field.
