‘I love that because I like proving people wrong’: B.C. Lions’ defensive backs aim to answer doubters

Lee, 35, was a Lions’ defensive back from 2014 to 2024 and returned to the club last year, a mid-season acquisition in September who made an immediate impact.

In 13 games without Lee in the 2025 regular season, the Lions allowed 267.2 passing yards per game and snagged eight interceptions (.62 per game).

With Lee in the lineup, they allowed 254.8 yards passing per game and snared 11 interceptions in five regular-season games (2.2 per game).

Those numbers, of course, are impacted by other factors, such as an improved pass rush, but they certainly don’t shine poorly on Lee.

He hears the questions about his age.

“I didn’t until last year,” Lee said. ”Now, I’m taking things more personal. “I proved that I deserve to still be here. I earned the right to be here, I brought energy, brought purpose, gave the guys a reason to push and just kind of gave them an added perspective.”

Peters had three picks, one forced fumble, six pass knockdowns and 49 tackles in 16 games last year.

“For me, that’s not good enough for my standards,” Peters said. “I want to outdo that this year.”

Beaulieu is at home rehabbing a knee injury and has been placed on the six-game injured list.

Carter Jr., who accounted for five of the Lions’ 19 interceptions last year, earned a contract with the Indianapolis Colts.

“It’s always tough when you bring in a guy that talented who comes in and makes a great impact like that right away,” Peters said. “We need to find the next great player.”

Peters appears to be suffering from an injury and was sidelined on Monday, but seems likely to be a full participant soon.

Among those who took first-unit reps on Monday were Lee, Lorando Johnson, Deontai Williams, Jackson Findlay, C.J. Coldon and Ronald Kent Jr.

Lions’ secondary coach Ryan Phillips is expecting to see growth this year from Kent Jr.

“It’s time to take the next step,” Phillips said. “That’s what I’m looking forward to seeing with him. He’s a very smart player, knows the playbook. We can plug him in anywhere. Now, we want to see the playmaking ability go ahead and take place.”

Dionté Ruffin joined the Lions in February, a free-agent acquisition who played from 2023 to 2025 with the Montreal Alouettes.

He told CFJC Today he is versatile.

“Cornerback, nickel, halfback, sam – it doesn’t matter – I’m capable of providing whatever the team needs,” Ruffin said. “We all love the game. We all play this game to be the guy. We all want to start. I’m coming here to do the exact same thing.”

Ruffin is aiming to quiet doubters, along with the rest of his new teammates in the secondary.

“The entire group has a lot of motivation and something to prove,” he said. “We hear the noise. I’m not worried because we know the type of team we have. We’re not worried about the noise. We’re just ready to make plays.”

by Marty Hastings

‘I love that because I like proving people wrong’: B.C. Lions’ defensive backs aim to answer doubters

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