Reborn from Injury, Patrice Rene Emerges as Defensive Force for BC Lions

Ottawa native Patrice Rene, once a highly-touted football prospect with the UNC Tar Heels, has reshaped his career trajectory after battling devastating injuries.

Rene, who suffered a torn ACL during his senior year at UNC, underwent three surgeries, which hindered his NFL ambitions but caught the attention of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL draft.

Following a setback early in his professional career with a knee injury in Winnipeg, Rene was granted a fresh start with the B.C. Lions in 2023.

Despite being relatively untested at the beginning, Rene showcased his resilience and talent during training camp, earning a starting position within the Lions lineup.

Under the mentorship of experienced players like Garry Peters and T.J. Lee, Rene honed his skills on special teams and matured into a complete defender.

Defensive coordinator Ryan Phillips commended Rene’s eagerness and versatility, citing the 6’2” defender’s rare combination of size, speed, and range.

In the current CFL season, Rene has amassed 14 tackles for the Lions, establishing himself as a key contributor with his impactful play on the field.

As the Lions prepare for a challenging matchup against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Rene’s emergence as a defensive force adds depth to the team’s roster.

Hamilton’s potent offensive duo of Bo-Levi Mitchell and James Butler poses a formidable test for the Lions defense, setting the stage for Rene to further prove his capabilities on the gridiron.