Matt Betts

Matt Betts's Biography

Mathieu Betts, born on March 22, 1995, is renowned as an accomplished Canadian professional football defensive lineman, currently playing for the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He holds a distinguishing record in U Sports football history as the only player to have received four major individual awards. In 2015, Betts received the Peter Gorman Trophy as the most outstanding rookie, followed by being named the most outstanding down lineman three times, bagging the J. P. Metras Trophies between 2016 and 2018. Alongside these commendations, Betts is a two-time Vanier Cup champion, tasting victory in 2016 and 2018.

Marking the onset of his U Sports football career in 2015, Betts became a part of Laval Rouge et Or, where he exhibited a powerful performance by recording a nation-leading 12 sacks in eight regular-season games. His skill and dedication led to his recognition as the Most Outstanding Rookie that season. In the successive year, despite recording nine sacks during eight regular seasonal games, he retained the second-best position nationwide and again received the title of Most Outstanding Down Lineman at the game’s end. 2016 marked another milestone in his career with his first Vanier Cup championship, contributing to Laval’s 52nd Vanier Cup triumph. Surpassing previous records, Betts became the first player to secure the J.P. Metras Trophy for the third time in 2018.

As 2018 ended, Betts added another feather to his cap, winning his second Vanier Cup championship at the 54th Vanier Cup game after completing his fourth year of eligibility. Making waves yet again in December 2019, Betts was highlighted as the most eligible prospect by the CFL Scouting Bureau Rankings for the 2019 CFL Draft. Additionally, he was one of the two U Sports players invited to play in the 2019 East–West Shrine Game. His career took another step forward on May 2, when he was selected third overall in the 2019 CFL Draft by the Edmonton Eskimos.

Shortly after the 2019 NFL draft on April 27, 2019, the Chicago Bears of the National Football League signed Betts as an undrafted free agent, locking him in for a three-year contract. The journey, however, came to a brief halt when he was among the final roster cuts on August 31, 2019. Nevertheless, he bounced back on September 9, 2019, formally joining the Edmonton Eskimos. In his debut game, Betts made a significant impression by making a sack and forcing a fumble against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Throughout his rookie season, he appeared in six games and built a substantial record – one defensive tackle, two sacks, and one forced fumble.

In 2021, despite not recording a sack, Betts made valuable contributions in 13 out of 14 regular season games where he had 12 defensive tackles. Realizing his worth, he was immediately signed by the BC Lions on the first day of free agency, February 8, 2022. Excelling in the season, he held 26 defensive tackles, seven sacks, and two special team tackles in just 17 regular season games. Such impressive performance earned him a try-out with the Jacksonville Jaguars in January 2023.

Betts demonstrated escalating growth in the 2023 season, where he played and started in all 18 regular-season games. He ended the stretch with a dominating 44 defensive tackles, 18 sacks, three forced fumbles, and one blocked kick. October 20, 2023, marked a monumental day in Betts’ career when he broke the record for most sacks by a National player. This notable achievement was coupled with his recognition as CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player and a CFL All-Star at the end of the season.

With the expiration of his contract on February 13, 2024, Betts was announced the latest addition to the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). However, Betts was waived by the Lions on August 27, 2024, and was cleared the next day after going unclaimed. Not one to be held back for long, Betts quickly made his next move, re-signing with the BC Lions on August 29, 2024, for the remainder of the 2024 season. Thus, his journey in the sports industry, laden with continuous growth, learning, and prominent achievements, continues.