Bombers own Mr. Worldwide returns to the club

Thiadric Hansen is a European who lives in India and plays professional football in Canada.

Forget Pitbull, if anyone deserves the moniker “Mr. Worldwide” it’s the German-born defensive lineman for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

“I love it,” Hansen told reporters after Monday’s practice at Fort Garry Lions Field. He resides in Bangalore, the capital and largest city of the southern Indian state of Karnataka, because his girlfriend works there.

“I love travelling. The year before, I lived in Thailand for the off-season so I’m just making the most out of the opportunities that I can.”

The most recent opportunity that came his way was with Winnipeg — the team he started his CFL career with — which signed him to the practice roster over the weekend.

Hansen, 33, spent the past two seasons with the Toronto Argonauts before being released during this year’s training camp.

He spent his first four seasons with the Bombers after they selected him second overall in the league’s first-ever European Draft — now known as the Global Draft — in 2019.

Hansen won two Grey Cups with Winnipeg in 2019 and 2021, and another with Toronto in 2024 against the Bombers.

“I was just on my way to a vacation, but then I got the call and I cancelled everything to come here and play another season in the CFL,” said Hansen.

“It was very unexpected. I thought my CFL career was probably done. Then I got the call from my agent and said, ‘Come on, let’s do it.’ It doesn’t matter, I’m gonna make my way up again into the team and hopefully I’m gonna play soon. I’m just enjoying being out here again.”

As for life in India, he’s enjoying that, too.

“It’s good, actually,” he said. “It’s hectic. Bangalore is a city of 10 million people. It’s loud, it’s vibrant, there’s lots of opportunities going on there. It’s fun, the food is great. A lot of people might not (know), but the food is very good there.”

Hansen, the CFL’s most successful Global player, spent the past few months playing for the Frankfurt Galaxy in the European Football Alliance.

His claim to fame during his first stint with the Bombers came in the 2019 Grey Cup, when he delivered a vicious hit on special teams that took out a blocker and returner.

“He knows what he’s doing, he knows what we’re all about. He’s a tough man,” said head coach Mike O’Shea.

“He’s played a lot of football, he’s won a lot of championships, he’s got Grey Cups, he’s got European championships, he’s got all sorts of things. He’s a professional. He knows how to work. And everybody will remember that hit he made in the Grey Cup on kickoff. He’s got that in him, too.”

Hansen made nine special teams tackles in 11 games last season with Toronto.

His best year was 2021, when he recorded eight defensive tackles, 12 special teams tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble and two pass knockdowns.

“To be honest, I walked in and, of course, the locker room is new, but it feels like I never left. Right now, I’m still walking to the wrong locker because I got it still in my head,” said Hansen.

“It’s just great to be back. A very warm welcome. A lot of guys I know, Jake (Thomas) and Mike (Miller) who I played with, now they’re my coaches.”

Hansen believes he still has another year or two of good football left in him.

“I know it’s all about getting championships here, so I’m glad to be back and ready to compete,” he said.

The Bombers (7-6) host the Argonauts (8-6) on Friday (7 p.m.).

Injury update

Quarterback Zach Collaros (head), running back Brady Oliveira (ankle), receiver Nic Demski (ankle), left tackle Stanley Bryant (ankle) and defensive lineman Cam Lawson (foot) did not participate in Monday’s practice.

Receiver Ontaria Wilson (hand) is on the six-game injured list and was also inactive.

Defensive back Michael Griffin II, who missed the last five games with an ankle injury, returned to practice Monday.

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