Willie Jefferson

Willie Hebert Jefferson III (born January 31, 1991) is a Canadian football defensive end for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Stephen F. Austin. He has also been a member of the Houston Texans, Edmonton Eskimos, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and Washington Redskins.

Early years
He attended Ozen High School. He was selected to the 4A all-state second-team in his senior year in high school. He was selected to the First-team All-District 20-4 and Port Arthur News Super Team while at high school.

College career
He started his career as a wide receiver at Baylor University but was kicked off of the team after he and teammate Josh Gordon were found asleep in Jefferson's car at a local Taco Bell with marijuana in the car. Jefferson, who was driving, was kicked off the team due to it being his second violation. He transferred to Stephen F Austin and was named 2011 Southland Conference Newcomer of the Year in his Junior season. He led the Southland Conference in sacks with 16. He was selected to the Sports Network All-America second team, Phil Steele's Magazine All-America third team.

Houston Texans
On April 27, 2013, he signed with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent following the 2013 NFL Draft.

The Texans released Jefferson, along with two others players, on October 21 for unspecified violations of team rules prior to a game in Kansas City.

Edmonton Eskimos
In 2014, Jefferson signed with the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Jefferson played for two seasons with the Eskimos, playing in 35 games, contributing 40 defensive tackles, 10 quarterback sacks, and three forced fumbles.

Washington Redskins
Jefferson signed a futures contract with the Washington Redskins on January 14, 2016. On August 27, 2016, Jefferson was waived by the Redskins.

Saskatchewan Roughriders
In September 2016, Jefferson returned to the CFL and signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders rejoining his head coach from Edmonton. Jefferson was named a CFL All-Star in 2017, and in 2018 was nominated as the teams Most Outstanding Player and Most Outstanding Defensive Player after recording his first season with double digit sacks, and a pair of interceptions returned for touchdowns. Jefferson was again named to the CFL All-Star Team alongside teammate Charleston Hughes.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers
On February 12, 2019, it was announced that Jefferson had signed a one-year deal with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers through the 2019 season.