Get to know U19 National Team Defensive Back Shae Weekes

Shae Weekes is a defensive back from St. Adolphe, Manitoba who will participate in the 2018 International Bowl as a member of the National Under-19 team.

The defensive standout has been surrounded by the sport his entire life.

“My father and I watch the NFL for as long as I can remember,” he recalled.  “At the age of seven, that was the earliest I could start playing.”

“That’s when he put me in tackle football.”

Among the teams Weekes has played for include St. Vital Mustangs as well as the St. Paul’s Crusaders of the Winnipeg High School Football League (WHSFL).

Currently, the defensive back is suiting up for Canada West Universities Athletic Association’s (CWUAA) University of Manitoba Bisons.

When he is on the field, he tries to emulate other players such as Winnipeg Blue Bombers cornerback Mo Leggett as well as NFL greats Deion Sanders and Patrick Robinson.

Weekes said that his parents have been a constant source of support and motivation in his career.

“They have the biggest role in my life on and off the field,” he expressed.

With his selection to the National Team, it will mark the second consecutive year Weekes has represented Canada.  In 2016, he reached the highlight of his career when he was part of the Under-18 squad and competed at the International Bowl.

“That was a phenomenal experience just to be down there with a group of talented people,” he reflected.  “We ended up winning both of our games.”

“To experience playing at AT&T Stadium is an unreal experience.  It’s what most people dream about doing and to be able to experience that, and now for the second time, it’s going to be unreal.  It’s a gorgeous stadium, it’s a great place to be and it’s a great atmosphere.”

Humbled by his selection to the Under-19 National Team, Weekes is looking forward to showcasing his talents while helping the team pull out a win against the United States.

“For me personally, it’s a way to show Americans that football is alive and thriving in Winnipeg and in Canada in general,” he said.  “I think being able to go down there and just to show them there are some real ballers out in Canada, it’s just a great way to get football in Canada out there to people in the States.”

This post is also available in: French