The resurgence of the B.C. Lions' defence can be traced back to a pivotal moment in early October during a practice at Hjorth Road Park in Surrey. The defensive unit intercepted consecutive passes from quarterback Nathan Rourke, sparking celebrations so enthusiastic that the noise likely carried throughout the neighbourhood.
This exuberant display came as the Lions were mounting their remarkable comeback from a disappointing start to the season. Defensive end Mathieu Betts noted that one of those crucial interceptions was made by T.J. Lee, and the team's overwhelming joy at having the veteran back was palpable. The players are so happy to have him back... everybody's cheering for him, Betts emphasized.
A Veteran's Unexpected Return
At the beginning of the season, the Lions had made the surprising decision not to re-sign Lee, a ten-year veteran of the team. The 36-year-old defensive back remained at his home in the Seattle area while the team struggled through the first half of their schedule.
The situation changed dramatically on September 10, when B.C., then sitting at a disappointing 5-7 record and facing potential playoff elimination, reversed course and signed Lee to a contract. The team's fortunes transformed almost immediately, with their current seven-game winning streak beginning just two days after his return.
This remarkable turnaround has propelled the Lions to the Western Final against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday afternoon, with a coveted spot in the Grey Cup on the line.
Leadership Beyond the Field
While Lee's on-field contributions have been significant, his impact extends far beyond game statistics. Rookie safety Jackson Findlay, one of two first-year players in the Lions' starting defensive backfield alongside cornerback Robert Carter Jr., credits Lee with transforming both the team's performance and culture.
He's been a game changer, Findlay stated. It goes beyond the field. It goes into the culture. It goes into the film study, the intricacies of the game.
Findlay added that Lee's genuine affection for the team and desire to win in British Columbia has inspired the entire squad. He really does love it here. He loves the guys here. He wants to win here. The guys have bought into that. We want to win it for him.
The Road Back to B.C.
Lee's return to the Lions wasn't a foregone conclusion. Throughout the first half of the season, B.C. general manager Ryan Rigmaiden maintained regular contact with the veteran defensive back. Lee also engaged in discussions with both the Calgary Stampeders and Montreal Alouettes.
However, constant communication from Lions players including Rourke, defensive back Garry Peters, and receiver Keon Hatcher played a crucial role in convincing Lee to return to British Columbia.
The guys kept me in it the whole year, Lee recalled with a chuckle. Guys texting, 'This is your team,' and, 'You need to come back.' And I was like, 'They have to write me a contract for me to come back.'
Lee explained his practical approach to the situation: I was just trying to set up my life, so that I could leave my family and come back and play. I was just waiting for the right situation and it happened.
Remarkably, Lee shows no bitterness about being initially left off the roster, demonstrating the professionalism that has defined his career. I try to accept change with everything, he said. Every offseason I change my regiment and how I train. It's not the season I expected to have, but the season of my destiny is what I'm accepting. How it landed, it worked out the right way.
Proven Track Record
Lee's credentials with the Lions are impressive by any measure. He ranks second in team history in defensive tackles with 615, trailing only linebacker Solomon Elimimian's 745. His 144 games played place him second behind kicker Sean Whyte's 240.
The two-time All-CFL selection (2018, 2023) has demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout his career, including making a successful comeback from a ruptured Achilles suffered in the 2023 West final.
Since returning to the lineup, Lee has made significant contributions, recording 31 tackles, one sack, and one interception in just five regular season games. He added four tackles in last week's 33-30 Western semifinal victory over the Calgary Stampeders.
Road to the Western Final
The Lions finished the regular season with an 11-7 record, securing second place in the West and home field advantage for the semifinal. Their position was clinched with a 27-21 road victory over first-place Saskatchewan in the regular season finale on October 25, though the Roughriders had already secured the first-round bye and rested several key players.
This sets up a compelling Western Final matchup against a Saskatchewan team that won the first two meetings between the clubs this season. The Roughriders took a 33-27 decision at B.C. Place on July 19 and a 37-18 victory at home on June 28.
The Lions are seeking their first Grey Cup appearance since winning the championship in 2011 at B.C. Place, having lost five consecutive West finals since that victory. They fell to Saskatchewan in last year's West semifinal.
Historical trends favour the home team in West finals, with home teams winning nine of the past ten matchups. The last home team to lose a West final was Saskatchewan in 2019 against Winnipeg.
As the Lions prepare for their crucial matchup in Regina, the presence of T.J. Lee in the defensive backfield provides not just skill and experience, but the intangible leadership qualities that have already transformed their season.
