Former CFL Linebacker DeMarquis Gates Signed to Chicago Bears Active Roster
On the same day the door closed on one former CFL star's time on an active NFL roster, another door opened for DeMarquis Gates.
The former CFL linebacker was signed onto the Chicago Bears’ active roster Saturday, first shared by NFL reporter Aaron Wilson.
Since beginning his pro career in 2018, Gates has bounced around six different football leagues, including the NFL, AAF, XFL, TSL, CFL and USFL.
His time in the CFL was spent with Saskatchewan during the shortened 2021 season, where he recorded five defensive tackles, three special teams tackles and one forced fumble in five games with the Roughriders.
His best professional football season came in 2022 with the USFL's Birmingham Stallions, for whom he recorded 68 tackles, 6.5 sacks, one interception, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in nine games. He played a key role in helping the Stallions win the USFL Championship in the league’s first year of existence.
He signed with the Chicago Bears the following year, putting up one tackle while appearing in three games. He has spent most of this season on their practice squad and has contributed one tackle and one fumble recovery in two games.
In addition to Chicago, Gates has also done stints in the NFL with Minnesota, Washington and Cleveland. He'll get his next shot at playing time against the Browns on Sunday at noon EST.
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