Local Football Star Takes on the NFL
Story by Michael Seguin
Photography by Gene Schilling
Devin Veresuk likes tackling people. “When I was a kid, I just liked hitting people!” Devin laughs. “In my first year playing football, I was thrown on offense because I was fast. But then midway through the season, I asked to be put on defense.”
Most of us do not emerge into the world with a clear-cut, fully articulated plan for our future. We often bumble around in the dark for a time, trying on different hats and identities until something eventually sticks.
But local football star Devin Veresuk has known that he wanted to play professionally since he was nine years old.
“I still remember coming home from a game and telling my parents that I was going to play for the NFL someday,” Devin recalls.
Since then, he has made good on that promise. After graduating from Holy Names Catholic High School, he went on to attend the University of Windsor to play for the Windsor Lancers.
“I actually ended up staying at Holy Names for a fifth year because I wanted to play football in the States,” Devin explains. “I thought that if I stayed put for another year, I’d have the best opportunity to go do that. During that time, I made the position switch to linebacker, which I thought would help me even more.”
Devin was able to attain some interest from a few American schools, but unfortunately, nothing materialized at the time. However, he was presented with countless scholarship offers from across Ontario, though he ultimately opted to stay close to home for his postsecondary career.
“It made the most sense for me and my family,” Devin explains. “It turned out to be a great decision. I loved my coaches. I loved what they were preaching.”
However, despite how beneficial his time with the Windsor Lancers proved to be, it did present Devin with a specific chokepoint.
“There was a time when I debated quitting football,” Devin admits. “It was part of the pandemic blues that I think everyone was feeling. I felt disconnected from my peers. So much of the game comes down to your camaraderie with your team, which I just didn’t have during COVID.”
That said, one coach in particular played a substantial role in rekindling Devin’s passion for the game.
One of my favourite expressions is that what you do in the dark will always come out in the light. So never, ever take any opportunity for granted.
“Patrick Donovan put me back on this trajectory,” Devin recalls. “He told me how much he believed in me and affirmed that I had the ability to play at the highest level. I wouldn’t still be playing ball today if it weren’t for him.”
Following his graduation, Devin went on to play with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
“It was a phenomenal experience,” Devin states. “I went to all kinds of Hamilton games growing up with the Essex Ravens. They were also the closest team to home, so it kept me close to my family.”
Once more, Devin credits the bonds he made with his fellow players that keeps him returning to the field.
“Again, it’s all about your relationship with your team,” Devin explains. “Hamilton was one of the tightest-knit locker rooms I’ve ever been a part of. Everybody was friends with everybody else. We’d even golf together on weekends.”
Devin also takes a moment to thank his parents for always supporting him.
“My Mom and Dad have always been my biggest cheerleaders,” Devin states. “They’ve come to pretty much every game. My Dad once came all the way to Saskatchewan to watch an away game. He’s always instilled this work ethic in me, the determination to get what you want.”
Fortunately, Devin’s grit eventually paid off. After a year with Hamilton, he was eventually scouted by the NFL.
“I was actually ready to take a break after my time in the CFL,” Devin explains. “I’d played 21 games with Hamilton. I was planning on relaxing, at least for a week or two. Then my agent called telling me that some NFL teams wanted to see what I had. So, I went right back into the gym to start training!”
Devin ended up trying out for six different teams, including Houston, New Orleans, Cleveland, Denver, Cincinnati, and eventually, Indianapolis.
“Throughout all of last December, I was flying out twice a week to play for these teams,” Devin recalls. “That was such a rewarding experience. I would walk into these legendary facilities and suddenly find myself face-to-face with these people I’d spent years watching play on TV. It was so surreal!”
Devin received contract offers from two of the teams before eventually signing with Indianapolis thanks to some interest they showed him early in his career.
“Coming out of university, Indianapolis was really the only team that took me seriously,” Devin states. “They invited me to their rookie minicamp that same year. They almost signed me then before ultimately passing on me. But they always kept the door open for me, and that encouragement really meant something to be.”
Now, Devin is preparing himself for his first season with the NFL. At the end of last month, he traveled down to Indianapolis and is readying himself for his first round of games this fall.
“It still feels a bit strange,” Devin admits. “I went down earlier for some team activities, which really helped. Prior to that, I was in a state of absolute shock. I’m just this kid from Windsor! I didn’t feel like I belonged there! But then as you go in and just do the work day in, day out, and you realize that everyone is just like you.”
When asked what advice he’d share with younger players, Devin returns to that same work ethic.
“There were definitely points when I didn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Devin admits. “So, I just kept my head down and did the work. Remember that every game is an interview. Even if you’re just playing in high school or university, you never know who might be watching. One of my favourite expressions is that what you do in the dark will always come out in the light. So never, ever take any opportunity for granted.”
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Published in the August/September 2026 Edition.
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