Saskatchewan Roughriders' defensive back Benny Sapp III knows it's a privilege to play professional football and realizes he needs to make the most of any opportunity.
"Been trying to stay in shape. My agent was telling me how I got claimed by Saskatchewan, I told him: 'Hey, they claim me, go ahead and reach out. Let them know whenever they are ready, I'm ready,'" Sapp III told voice of the Green and White, Dave Thomas. "I didn't honestly care about if I'm in the NFL or if I'm in the CFL or IFL, whatever league that wants me I want to be a part of it. I know how limited these opportunities are and I'm grateful to be able to play football. It's really not about the logo for me; it's more of a respect thing. I appreciate that they respect my work and I feel like I got to give everything I got."
The five-foot-11, 200-pound cover man credits his teammates for helping transition to Canadian football.
"Grateful for the opportunity and I appreciate my teammates making the whole situation a lot easier for me," Sapp III said. "It's a whole different ball game from US ball to here, I'm soaking it up, trying to be a sponge and give it my all every play."
Before Sapp III came to the CFL, he played at the University of Northern Iowa from 2020 through 2022. He signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2023. The Fort Lauderdale, Florida native played five games for the Packers, registering two tackles. Sapp III spent the 2024 season with the Atlanta Falcons on the team's practice roster.
"He's a studious guy. As soon as he came in, he was eager to get here, spent some time jumping through the iPad and the playbook, coming with great questions, asked a lot of questions in meetings, and then ultimately, you got to perform on the field. He's been showing that, whether it's scout team or defensive reps, or special teams," head coach Corey Mace said. "He has an A1 football pedigree, with his family background, and with guys like that, you see how they make it to this level."
In Week 15, Sapp III started his first CFL game with the Green and White at cornerback and finished with four defensive tackles as Saskatchewan lost to the Montreal Alouettes 48-31.
The 25-year-old Sapp III is a second-generation professional in his family, dad played in the NFL from 2004 through 2011 with the Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings and Miami Dolphins. He made 240 defensive tackles, 36 pass deflections, 12 tackles for loss, six interceptions, six forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and 2.5 sacks in 110 games with 27 being starts.
"Micah Johnson came up to me and told me that he played with my dad back in 2010 with the Dolphins," Sapp III said. "Him playing with my dad and now him being my teammate, it's a blessing. It shows me that you know how far football can take you, no matter where you are in America, Canada, or wherever you are. Football is always going to be near you. It definitely made me feel close to home, I can't thank my father, my mother, and my family enough for raising me the right way. Especially my dad, with this football game, teaching me to be prepared for any situation and be able to go."
The Green and White return to action in Edmonton to take on the Elks on Saturday, September 27. Teagan Witko, Justin Dunk, and Wes Cates bring you the pre-game show at 2 p.m. Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder have the game call at 5 p.m. Listen to our detailed coverage on the 620 CKRM Co-operators Rider Broadcast Network.
