Coming to Saskatchewan was a gamble that paid off for Shawn Bane Jr.
After spending two seasons with the Calgary Stampeders, he joined the Saskatchewan Roughriders this past February in search of a starting position.
Bane Jr. ended up exceeding all expectations, leading the Canadian Football League (CFL) in receptions (93) and surpassed 1,000 receiving yards (1,104).
On Wednesday, he joined Michael Ball on the Sportscage to look back at 2023, and also gave an update on his plans this offseason.
Bane Jr. was happy with his results this year, especially with three different starting quarterbacks (Trevor Harris, Mason Fine, and Jake Dolegala).
“Being able to juggle with three different guys and still being able to reach you know, what a lot of people think is a ton of yards is really cool.”
The starting role in Saskatchewan allowed the Sarasota, Florida product to show everyone what what he was capable of.
“Just proving myself to myself cause I know I could do it. I feel like it’s only the tip of the iceberg.”
The wide receiver is set to become a free agent in February. While Bane Jr. would welcome a return to Saskatchewan, he would also like to explore playing in the National Football League (NFL).
His agent is currently arranging workouts with the New York Giants and the New York Jets in early January.
It is unclear what the future holds for the receiver, but he will always be grateful to the CFL for giving him the chance to continue his career.
“I can’t even put a true word or meaning on it,” Bane Jr. added, “it just means a ton, super thankful.”
If the 28-year-old elects to return to Saskatchewan in 2024, he’ll find some familiar faces on the Roughriders coaching staff.
Bane Jr. spent time with the new Head Coach of the Roughriders Corey Mace, and the new offensive coordinator Marc Mueller from the beginning of his CFL career and holds both in high regard from his time as a Stampeder.
“Both of those individuals were super good to me in Calgary.”
The former Northwest Missouri State Bearcat said he would feel honoured to play for Mace and Mueller if he returns for another season in Saskatchewan.
Styling and Profiling
If Roughrider or football fans are searching for a last minute, they can turn to Bane Jr.’s clothing apparel Bane’s World for an “excellent” gift.
Fashion was something that always interested Bane Jr. During his time in Atlanta in 2019 with the Falcons, he was asked about his brand, which got him thinking.
“I was like, you know what, I don’t necessarily have one, so I jotted down a quick logo in my notepad, I kind of sat on it and then I went with it.”
After some tweaking, he settled on the Bane’s World brand.
With ambitious goals, the football star hopes to attain success off the field with his apparel line.
“We’re just planting the seeds right now and hopefully we can expand and be fruitful from there.”
For more information on Bane World’s Clothing, you can visit the official website, banesworldclothingco.com and also on Instagram @ banesworld_clothingco
