“I’m definitely excited to get some redemption after the first stop, all expectations were not met. I’m definitely excited to get out there and make some plays for the fans and let them know they got a good player in return for getting a great player.”
Those were the words of Cameron Judge, interviewed by Argonauts.ca in January, just after being acquired by the Toronto Argonauts in a trade with Calgary for Folarin Orlimolade.
So far, his Redemption Tour 2025 has been a resounding success.
BREAKING: We have acquired LB Cameron Judge in a trade. pic.twitter.com/C82q1srPvV
— Toronto Argonauts (@TorontoArgos) January 10, 2025
It’s the linebacker’s second tour of duty with the Argos, his first in 2021 did not receive the same glowing reviews. He was injured for most of the season, and when he was able to play, he didn’t live up to the high expectations of his harshest critic; himself.
“I think it’s gone a lot better than the last time, that’s for sure,” Judge told Argonauts.ca. “I’m really enjoying my time out here. I feel like I’m contributing a little bit. I’ve let a few plays get away that I’d like to have back, but it’s a long season and I’m excited to keep building.”
The ’21 season sticks out like an elephant at a dog show. In other years he’s been fantastic, named his team’s Most Outstanding Canadian four times, and Calgary’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player last year.
That’s the form to which the 30-year-old UCLA product has returned. He enters Week Five with 29 defensive plays, third best in the league. He’s amassed 23 defensive tackles, 1 special teams tackle, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 2 knockdowns.
He’s been posting these numbers without Wynton McManis lining up next to him for much of the season, as the team’s spiritual leader has been out with a knee injury, replaced in the starting lineup by Isaac Darkangelo.
“It’s tough,” said Judge. “Any time you lose a player of that calibre it’s going to be a hit. We try just to pick up the slack that came when he went out and Dark’s done a great job of doing that. We obviously miss him and can’t wait ‘til he’s back. He’s done a great job of being a leader even though he’s not out there with us, he’s always getting us ready to play and keeping the energy high. He’s still invaluable.”
What’s helped the Argos through McManis’ injury has been the play of Darkangelo. The second year Argo has been all around the football. In last week’s game in Ottawa, he racked up eight tackles and a sack.
The Brighton, Michigan native told Argonauts.ca he’s learned a lot by watching Judge.
“He’s an elite playmaker, that’s for sure,” said Darkangelo. “I was just reviewing the game and the way he comes downhill. He’ll hit people, but he’ll also drop into coverage and can play man-to-man. It’s pretty elite.”
He’s also learned a lot from the player he’s replacing.
“It’s been great being able to learn,” said the Illinois product. “Wyn’s been huge and obviously learning from Cam, they’re both nine-year vets. It’s my second year under them and Coach (Kevin) Eiben has been huge. Overall, I feel like I’ve been able to learn and grow from each one of them; different things in a unique way.”
The two backers obviously have on-field chemistry, but it goes further than that. Judge has gained a great deal of respect for Darkangelo off the field because of the effort he’s made to improve his game.
Judge says the pair has gotten along from the get-go.
“Really well since Day One,” said Judge. “He’s a guy I got along with right off the bat. He’s in here studying his plays every morning, watching film, one of the first guys in here. Any time you have the privilege of lining up next to someone like that you don’t take it for granted.”
The pair has played well together, and there will be sone scenarios where the two of them will be on the field at the same time as McManis when he returns. That’s just fine with Darkangelo who doesn’t care where he plays, he’s just excited to be a part of a unique defence, learning more each day, and taking big steps in his play with a year of CFL football under his belt.
“It changes a lot in second year,” said Darkangelo. “I remember being in college and being able to be under a playbook for two years in a row. You see things; your formation recognition, your down and distance is completely different, you focus on that stuff rather than focusing on the play.”
The pair will be counted on to continue their outstanding play when the Argos host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at BMO Field on Friday night.