Of all the highlights Nick Anderson has had during his rookie season in the Canadian Football League, the one that sticks with him was not a big hit or a sack.

“I had a kid come up to me that plays linebacker up there. His goal is to go to the CFL. We’re looked at as their professional league. He was telling me that he admired my game,” Anderson said with a smile. “He admired that I’m not the biggest linebacker but I play with a chip on my shoulder. That meant a lot to me, because I know growing up I had some people I looked at that were similar to my playing style. Those were the guys that I wanted to be like. So to be a guy that kids want to be like is a true blessing.”

Everything is a blessing for Anderson these days. The former Vicksburg High football star is enjoying a breakout season with the Edmonton Elks that has made him a contender for the CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie award.

He leads the league in total tackles with 106, and is second in defensive tackles with 101. Although Anderson still dreams of coming back to the United States to play in the NFL, he’s gained a professional foothold in Canada where he’s a budding star.

“It’s been a blessing. I’m just taking each experience one day at a time. Just enjoying it and soaking it all in,” Anderson said. “I’m glad that I made the decision to go up there. It’s definitely paid off. From football to life in general, just accepting everything and taking all of the blessings and opportunities God has given me, and I’ve enjoyed it all.”

Anderson signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent out of Tulane in 2023, but was released by the NFL team at the end of training camp. He did not play at all that season, then got the opportunity to head north of the border to the CFL and the Elks this spring.

He’s made the most of it.

Anderson earned a starting job at the end of the Elks’ preseason and has shown that he deserved it. In addition to his tackle totals, he has three sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception with one game left to play.

“I know where I desire to be, but I knew I had to go a different route to get there,” Anderson said. “So betting on myself and going to Canada is one of the best decisions that I made. It’s been a blessing to be in an organization where I’ve been given a true opportunity to show what I can do.”

As he’s blossomed into a star, Anderson has also emerged as a potential face of the franchise. He’s gotten some media and endorsement opportunities in Edmonton, a booming Western Canada oil town of 1.1 million people.
Little moments, like the kid admiring his game, have shown him fans are taking notice.

“I haven’t seen jerseys yet, but the fans have been showing a lot of love over the course of the season. From the beginning of the season when everybody was wondering why a veteran got cut for a rookie, to now they’re seeing why,” he said. “It’s been a blessing to be after the games and people want autographs and pictures. I’m like, ‘I’m just Nick Anderson.’”

Alright Elks fans, let's settle this… waffles or pancakes? 🧇

Check out what else Elks LB @NickAnderson14_ eats to keep him fueled up on gameday! #GoElks x @saveonfoods pic.twitter.com/6boIy0UZAR

— Edmonton Elks (@GoElks) October 10, 2024

 

Those around the CFL are taking notice as well. The Most Outstanding Rookie award includes both offensive and defensive players as candidates. The winner will be announced Nov. 14, and Anderson is hoping he’ll be the one to get it.

“I don’t want to jinx myself. I’m blessed to get any acknowledgement in that league with it being my first year,” he said. “If I’m blessed to be named Rookie of the Year come Nov. 14 it’s just going to be another blessing that I dedicate to God. He is the reason I went up there, He is the reason I can do what I can do, so it’s just going to be another accolade I give Him all the glory for.”

NO QUIT 🙅

Nick Anderson (@NickAnderson14_) wouldn't be denied his first #CFL sack!#CFLGameday on TSN & CBS SN
📲: Stream on CFL+ pic.twitter.com/vN5WSKbNgf

— CFL (@CFL) July 15, 2024

The Elks (6-11) did not qualify for the CFL playoffs and will conclude their season Friday night at home against the Toronto Argonauts (10-7). A six-game streak of one-score losses doomed Edmonton’s postseason chances from the start, making Anderson’s excellent performance even more of a bright spot for the future.

Anderson isn’t yet certain he’ll be a part of it, though. CFL players can sign with NFL teams beginning Dec. 9, so he’s also hoping to get a late-season invite stateside.

After this week’s game he said he plans to return to Mississippi to spend time with family and rest up.

“If the NFL calls it’ll be a blessing to be back on that level. But if not I’m always on my feet,” Anderson said. “Regardless of where I’m at, the NFL or CFL, as long as I’m able to do something I love to do I’m not mad at it.”

Even if he doesn’t get a call from the NFL, the Elks would almost certainly welcome him back with open arms in 2025. Unlike the uncertainty of 2023, when he was trying to make the Saints’ roster as an undrafted free agent, knowing he’ll have a job somewhere next year was nice, he said.

“That’s the biggest thing and what has been able to help me be able to play the whole season, is having that level of comfort in my situation.,” Anderson said. “Not being complacent, but being able to be comfortable. It helps you play better. It helps you not worry. So the fact that regardless, I’m going to have the opportunity to play ball next year, I’m just blessed for that. A lot of guys can’t say that.”