The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed American defensive lineman Justin (J. J. ) Weaver.
Weaver, a six-foot-five, 241-pounder, joined the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in July 2025 and participated in training camp with the team.
He spent six collegiate seasons (2019-2024) at the University of Kentucky, playing in 58 games, including 39 starts. Over six seasons as a Wildcat, Weaver had 197 career tackles, 39. 5 tackles for loss, 21. 5 sacks, 15 quarterback hurries, eight pass deflections, five forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, two interceptions, and one blocked kick. He finished his Kentucky career ranked third all-time with 39. 5 career tackles for loss and fourth in career sacks.
Aside from the football pitch, Weaver has been acknowledged for his exceptional contributions to the community. As a senior in 2024, he was named one of 11 FBS Allstate AFCA Good Works Team members, earned Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year honors, and received the Freddie Solomon Community Spirit Award and the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Ron Butler Character in Adversity Award. Furthermore, he received an Orange Bowl Courage Award nomination.
Weaver’s community activities have included assisting the homeless, sponsoring school projects such as backpack and bike drives, and giving haircuts to youngsters before they return to school. Most recently, after losing his father and a favorite teacher, he started a project to assist young people cope with and process sadness.
