Linebacker Deron Mayo has played five season with the Red and White.

He had an impact right out of the gate, playing 17 games regular-season games and finishing second on the team he special-teams tackles. He also saw time at linebacker including getting his first CFL start at middle linebacker in the 2012 Western Final.

He became a full-time starter at weak-side linebacker in 2014 and that season registered 67 tackles and led the team in forced fumbles. The season ended with his first Grey Cup victory in which he racked up six tackles, one special-teams tackle and one forced fumble.

Mayo was the Stamps’ defensive player of the year nominee in 2015 and, in 2016, was a team captain and was the Stamps’ leader in tackles with 77 despite suffering a season-ending knee injury on Oct. 15.

His teammates voted him the 2016 President’s Ring winner for his in-game contributions, leadership, inspiration and motivation skills.

In 2015, Mayo launched his own initiative called Memories with Mayo, a program that sees him make weekly visits to Ronald McDonald House, which provides a home away from home for families who need to travel to Calgary for a child’s medical treatment.

Here are some more fun facts about Deron Mayo that you may not have known…

What was your first pet?

A black gerbil, Malcolm X.

What is your second favourite sport?

Soccer. I played soccer until I was 16. I didn’t start football until I was 17. I’m a huge soccer fan.

Your favourite place you have traveled?

Jamaica for my honeymoon.

What is your nickname?

D-Magic. But I’m the only one who calls myself D-Magic because that’s my Call of Duty name on video games.

Favourite band/song? 

I’ve been listening to a lot of Tori Kelly lately. I like slower R&B, hip hop, acoustic sounds.

What was your first car?

A Mazda Millenia on 20-inch rims. My brother passed it down to me so I got a good one. I didn’t have to drive a beater for a few years.

Favourite subject in school?

Science

What is your biggest pet peeve?

When people try to pass you on an airplane. So you’re trying to get off and then people sitting behind you try to get in front of you. I hate that. Or slow left lane drivers. I hate that, too.

What is your favourite food?

Catfish

Who is your favourite actor/actress?

Denzel (Washinton) for sure

Who is your best Stampeders friend?

Probably Bo and J-Wall

What was your childhood football number?

I didn’t play when I was a kid. But in college I was #5 and they called me Cinco de Mayo. That’s pretty catchy right there.

What is the worst place you have ever traveled?

Probably Puerto Rico but that’s a long story.

What is your favourite vegetable?

I’m into beets lately.

What is your game day/pregame meal?

My wife wakes up in the morning and cooks me a nice breakfast: chocolate chip pancakes with some strawberries in there, some scrambled eggs that we take off the Gordon Ramsay YouTube, a little bit of crème fresh and chopped up chives in there, so a big breakfast.

Who is your roommate on the road?

Bo.

Do you have a pre-game ritual?

I take a nap before every game.

What piece of equipment are you fussiest about?

My mouthpiece. I chew them up all the time so I go through about 10 mouth pieces a year.

What is your favorite CFL road city to visit?

Ottawa. I’m liking Ottawa now.