Luiji Vilain

Luiji Vilain Bio

Luiji Vilain is a Canadian professional football defensive end who currently plays for the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League. Born on March 10, 1998, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Vilain has built a reputation as a relentless pass rusher with a strong work ethic and impressive physical tools. After an accomplished high school career in Virginia and productive college seasons at both Michigan and Wake Forest, he has continued to pursue excellence at the professional level across both the NFL and CFL.

Early Life and Background

Luiji Vilain was born on March 10, 1998, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. His early years in Canada’s capital city laid the foundation for what would become a distinguished football career. While many Canadian-born football players opt to stay closer to home for their development, Vilain chose to pursue his dreams in the United States, where football is more prominently featured at the high school level.

Vilain attended Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, where he quickly established himself as a dominant defensive end. Playing under head coach Panos Voulgaris, Vilain developed into one of the most highly recruited players in the country. His combination of size, speed, and technique made him a nightmare for opposing offensive lines throughout his high school career.

Path to American Football

During his junior year at Episcopal High School, Vilain recorded 60 tackles, 15.5 tackles-for-loss, 4.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. These impressive statistics earned him second-team All-USA Virginia honors from USA Today and first-team All-IAC recognition. As a senior, he elevated his game even further, making 45 tackles and eight sacks while also recovering a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown.

His senior season performances earned him first-team All-USA honors from USA Today, first-team All-Met recognition from The Washington Post, and first-team All-IAC distinction. Vilain was invited to play in the prestigious Under Armour All-America Game and was named a PrepStar Top 359 All-American player. Scout.com ranked him as the top defensive end in Virginia and a four-star recruit, while ESPN also gave him a four-star rating and listed him as the second-best player in Virginia and the 102nd-best nationally.

Luiji Vilain Career

College Career at Michigan (2017–2020)

After graduating from Episcopal High School, Vilain committed to play at the University of Michigan. However, his first two seasons with the Michigan Wolverines did not produce any game action, as he redshirted during his freshman year in 2017 and saw limited opportunities as a sophomore in 2018. Despite not playing, Vilain maintained his academic standing and was named an Academic All-Big Ten Conference selection in 2018, demonstrating his dedication to both athletics and education.

Prior to his junior year, Vilain made the significant decision to move from Toronto to the United States to fully focus on his football career. In 2019 as a junior, he finally saw meaningful playing time, appearing in seven games as a defensive lineman. He recorded seven tackles, one tackle-for-loss, one sack, and one forced fumble, earning his first varsity letter. His 2020 senior season saw him appear in five games, adding four tackles for his second varsity letter.

Transfer to Wake Forest and Breakthrough (2021)

Following the 2020 season, Vilain made the decision to transfer to Wake Forest for his fifth season of college football, utilizing an extra year of eligibility granted due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This move proved to be a pivotal turning point in his collegiate career, as the Demon Deacons provided him with the opportunity to showcase his full potential as a defensive playmaker.

In May 2021, Vilain was selected in the third round, 25th overall, by the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League Draft. Despite being selected, he chose to remain in college to use his final year of playing eligibility, a decision that would allow him to further develop his skills against American collegiate competition. As a fifth-year senior with Wake Forest in 2021, Vilain delivered a dominant season, leading the team with 9.0 sacks while also recording 10.0 tackles-for-loss. He was one of only three Wake Forest players to achieve double-digit tackles-for-loss and put together an impressive streak of four consecutive games with at least one sack.

Minnesota Vikings (2022–2023)

After going unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft, Vilain signed as an undrafted free agent with the Minnesota Vikings. His former Michigan teammate Kwity Paye, who had become an All-Rookie defensive lineman with the Indianapolis Colts, expressed confidence in his former roommate, stating that the Vikings had acquired a significant talent. Despite going undrafted, Vilain impressed coaches during training camp with his physical tools and football IQ. His strong preseason performance, which included a fumble return and an interception, helped him earn a spot on the Vikings’ final roster. However, Vilain appeared in only three games during his rookie season, recording four total tackles.

On August 29, 2023, Vilain was waived by the Vikings and signed to the practice squad the following day, continuing his journey in professional football.

Carolina Panthers (2023–2024)

On October 24, 2023, Vilain was signed by the Carolina Panthers from the Vikings’ practice squad, providing him with an opportunity to continue his NFL career. He was placed on injured reserve on November 7, 2023, bringing his inaugural season with the Panthers to a premature conclusion. On August 27, 2024, Vilain was waived by the Panthers as the team made roster decisions heading into the regular season.

Cleveland Browns (2024)

On September 11, 2024, Vilain was signed to the Cleveland Browns practice squad, giving him another opportunity to compete at the NFL level. However, his tenure with the Browns was brief, as he was released from the practice squad approximately two weeks later. Despite the short stint, Vilain continued to work toward earning a more permanent role in the league.

Dallas Cowboys (2024–2025)

On October 9, 2024, Vilain signed with the Dallas Cowboys practice squad, joining another NFL organization in his ongoing professional journey. His dedication and performance earned him a reserve/future contract on January 6, 2025, solidifying his place on the Cowboys roster heading into the 2025 season. Vilain’s time with the Cowboys concluded on July 22, 2025, when he was released by the organization.

Driving Style and Strengths

Vilain’s game is built around his combination of size and athleticism. Listed at 6 feet 4 inches and 255 pounds, he possesses the length and power to engage offensive linemen effectively while also demonstrating the burst and agility to threaten as a pass rusher. His college career at Wake Forest demonstrated his ability to pressure quarterbacks consistently, as evidenced by his team-leading 9.0 sacks during his senior season. His four-game streak of recording at least one sack showcased his persistence and technique refinement. At the NFL level, Vilain has shown flashes of his disruptive potential, though his opportunities have been limited thus far.

Notable Events and Milestones

Among Vilain’s notable career moments was his selection in the 2021 CFL Draft by the Toronto Argonauts, even though he did not sign with the team at that time. His impressive training camp performances with the Minnesota Vikings, including his fumble return and interception in the preseason, demonstrated his ability to make game-changing plays when given the opportunity. His journey through multiple NFL organizations reflects both the competitive nature of professional football and his resilience in continuing to pursue his dreams.

Luiji Vilain Career Wins

Throughout his professional football career, Vilain has competed across multiple leagues while building experience at the highest levels of the sport. His collegiate career at Wake Forest produced his most impressive statistical output, including his dominant 9.0-sack season that led the team. In limited NFL action, he has contributed four total tackles during his time with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022 and 2023. Vilain’s professional journey has included stints with five NFL teams and his current position with the Ottawa Redblacks of the CFL.

NFL Highlights

Vilain’s NFL career has featured brief but notable appearances across multiple organizations. His most substantial opportunity came with the Minnesota Vikings, where he appeared in three games during the 2022 season, recording four tackles. His training camp performances regularly drew praise from coaches and teammates, with former Michigan roommate Kwity Paye publicly expressing confidence in Vilain’s abilities. Despite not accumulating significant statistics at the professional level, Vilain has consistently demonstrated the physical tools and mental toughness that NFL teams seek in defensive end prospects.

Other Achievements and Performances

Prior to his professional career, Vilain’s most accomplished stretch came during his senior season at Wake Forest, where his 9.0 sacks led the team and his 10.0 tackles-for-loss ranked among the best in the Atlantic Coast Conference. His high school career at Episcopal High School also stands out as a period of dominance, with multiple All-American honors cementing his status as one of Virginia’s top prospects.

Luiji Vilain Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

Limited verified information is available regarding Vilain’s family background and racing lineage. His Canadian origin and subsequent move to Virginia for high school demonstrate the international scope of his football journey. Vilain has cited his desire to play in his hometown as a significant factor in his decision to join the Ottawa Redblacks, indicating a strong connection to his Canadian roots.

Personal Life

Vilain was born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and grew up in the city before relocating to Virginia to attend Episcopal High School. His academic achievements, including being named an Academic All-Big Ten Conference selection during his time at Michigan, reflect his commitment to personal development beyond athletics. His choice to transfer from Michigan to Wake Forest and later pursue opportunities in the NFL and CFL demonstrates his ambitious approach to his football career.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 NFL season saw Vilain sign a reserve/future contract with the Dallas Cowboys on January 6, 2025, providing him with a clear path to compete for a roster spot during the upcoming season. His signing represented a vote of confidence from the Cowboys organization in his potential to contribute at the professional level. However, Vilain’s tenure with the Cowboys concluded on July 22, 2025, when the team released him. Following his release, Vilain’s playing rights were traded from the Toronto Argonauts to the Ottawa Redblacks in April 2026, with Vilain citing his desire to play in his hometown as the primary reason for the move. The Redblacks subsequently announced a three-year contract agreement with Vilain on April 27, 2026, bringing him home to compete in the CFL.