The BC Lions Football Club announced this morning that national long-snapper Mike Benson has signed a contract for the 2017 season. Benson was slated to become a free agent in February.
“Mike has given us everything you can ask for as our long-snapper over the past few years and it’s good to have him returning next season,” said GM and head coach Wally Buono. “Often times we don’t appreciate the consistency needed to perform that duty on special teams, but much of our success in that area starts with him.”
Since joining the Lions at the midpoint of the 2014 season, the Winnipeg native has not missed a single regular season start over 45 games and four postseason tilts. He’s recorded 12 special teams tackles in that stretch.
The club also re-signed special teams ace Nehemie Kankolongo for two more years. The Coquitlam native and University of Wyoming product was signed to the practice roster in June and dressed for 13 games and two more in the postseason. The reserve linebacker finished the season with six special teams tackles.