Patterson: “I’m all about the Blue Bombers right now and am excited about the opportunity to compete.”

Take a quick glance at Shea Patterson’s football road travelled over the last few years and what jumps out is this: the dude must have quite the collection of helmets and jerseys tucked away in his closet.

And now the veteran quarterback can add the blue and gold of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to his wardrobe.

The Blue Bombers scooped up Patterson in Canadian Football League free agency earlier this month, adding the 28-year-old former Michigan/Ole Miss star after had spent the 2023-24 seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders following his first stint in the three-down loop with the B.C. Lions as a practice roster player in 2021 before joining the Montreal Alouettes later that same season.

His pro stops since college also include the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020, The Blues of The Spring League, along with the Michigan Panthers and New Orleans Breakers of the USFL in 2022.

Oh, and one more…

Patterson was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 2018 MLB Draft and spent some time with the Round Rock Express (Triple A) in 2018.

Shea Patterson started six games for the Roughriders in 2024; photo courtesy The Canadian Press

So, yeah, he knows what moving around is all about.

He also understands the value in opportunity and being wanted after the Roughriders opted not to re-sign him following the additions of both Jake Maier and Tommy Stevens this offseason.

That opportunity in Winnipeg comes knowing the Blue Bombers have a stacked quarterback depth chart which features starter Zach Collaros along with Patterson, Chris Streveler, Jake Dolegala, Terry Wilson.

“It was definitely an honour to get that call from such a prestigious organization like Winnipeg given all their success in recent years,” said Patterson in a chat with bluebombers.com from his offseason base in Toledo, Ohio. “It really just seemed like the best opportunity for me. It wasn’t so much about (Saskatchewan) adding Jake Maier, it was about, ‘where am I wanted?’ and Winnipeg was at the top of the list for me.

“I know we have a crowded room in Winnipeg, but it didn’t have anything to do with any other move. I’m ready to compete. That’s one thing for me in the last four-five years going back to college: being in good quarterback rooms and seeing how guys work has been important in developing my own routine throughout the years while learning the game. And the Canadian football game takes time to learn, time to get adjusted.”

The Blue Bombers know what they’re getting in Patterson, having some first-hand knowledge of his skillset dating back to a game last July in which he started for an injured Trevor Harris and threw for 261 yards and a TD while rushing for 35 more in a 19-9 Roughrider win. Patterson was 2-4 in his six starts for the Riders last year while dressing for all 18 games plus two playoff contests.

Yet, even with the 34 CFL games to his name, he’s been limited to just 217 pass attempts. That, essentially, means he comes into camp technically as a vet but also a bit of an unfinished painting.

“Everything happens for a reason. I’m just going to put one foot in front of the other right now,” he said. “I’ve got nothing but respect for my former teammates and still stay in contact with them. I spent 2 1/2 years of my life in Saskatchewan and developed some relationships along the way. But I’m all about the Blue Bombers right now and am excited about the opportunity to compete.

“First and foremost, I know the goal is to get back to and win the Grey Cup and I’m going to do everything they ask me to do to help that happen. They were in the Grey Cup the past five years in a row. They know how to win and they’re hungry. I want to get there and win it. It’s great and I’m excited to be a part of that.

“I can’t wait to work with the guys in that quarterback room. I’ve already had the chance to speak to a couple of them. I know Streveler is in Arizona training — he reached out to me and that was pretty cool, and I know Jake from Saskatchewan.”

Patterson (14) as a member of the Alouettes in a game against the Blue Bombers in 2021

Patterson’s nomadic ways have taught him about the business of pro football and, especially, about living in the moment. What happens beyond this season — will Collaros be back in 2026? Is Patterson a candidate for QB1 down the road? — doesn’t help him in the here and now.

“That approach applies to all things, doesn’t it?” he reasoned. “I’m really going to take it one step at a time and be where might feet are and enjoy the moment. I’m going to be a sponge, and I can’t wait to soak this whole experience up. I’m really looking forward to coming to Winnipeg.”

One more on that… asked to describe his game, Patterson paused for a moment and then offered this — an answer which could endear himself to his teammates, coaches and Blue Bombers faithful:

“The main thing is it doesn’t matter how it looks, I just want to win,” he said. “I take a lot of pride in the offseason in putting in a lot of work and then it’s our job to perform and I like to have fun with that as well.

“If I ever get my number called, we’ll be having a lot of fun.”