WINNIPEG, MB. – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announced the addition of two American players: defensive back Javaris Davis and linebacker Johnny Hodges.
Javaris Davis – Defensive Back
Davis (5-8, 183, Auburn; born December 26, 1996, Jacksonville, FL) joins the Blue Bombers following a diverse professional journey that includes the NFL and XFL.
- Professional Career: Signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as a free agent in 2020, later spending time with the Miami Dolphins (2021), where he appeared in one game and recorded two tackles and a knockdown, and the Cincinnati Bengals (2022). Davis most recently competed in the XFL, winning a championship in 2023.
- Collegiate Career: A four-year standout at Auburn (2016–2019), Davis played in 49 games with 35 starts, amassing 150 tackles, eight interceptions, 32 passes defended, and one forced fumble. He earned Freshman All-SEC honours in 2016.
Johnny Hodges – Linebacker
Hodges (6-0, 237, Texas Christian; born September 6, 2000, Darnestown, MD) arrives in Winnipeg after an accomplished collegiate career split between Navy and TCU.
- Professional Outlook: Hodges went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft but received an invitation to the Los Angeles Chargers’ rookie minicamp.
- Collegiate Career: At Navy (2020–2021), he appeared in 16 games, recording 63 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, four passes defended, and one forced fumble. After transferring to TCU (2022–2024), Hodges compiled 204 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, five sacks, and one pass breakup. His 2024 season featured a career-best 89 tackles and earned him All-Big 12 Honourable Mention. He was also recognized as the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year and named to the All-Big 12 Second Team in 2022.
