Former Roughrider Ben Heenan signs with Indianapolis Colts

Another Saskatchewan-born football player is getting his chance in the National Football League. 

Ben Heenan, 24, has inked a deal with the Indianapolis Colts, who made it all the way to the AFC championship this season. 

​Heenan attracted a lot of attention from the NFL this off-season. One report said he worked out with up to five teams.

"He's a very good, solid football player," said Roughrider general manager Brendan Taman. "We were just fortunate to get as many years out of him as we did. He won a Grey Cup and he's had a pretty good career so far and I'm sure it will continue." 

The Roughriders released Heenan from his contract Monday in order for him to pursue a contract in the NFL. Still, Taman said the team will feel the loss. 

"I'm really happy for him, but I'm also, darn that hurts our team a little bit. So it's a real catch-22," he said Tuesday morning. "At the end of the day you're happy for him."

Heenan tweeted his own excitement at the signing Tuesday evening, but also expressed his thanks to the Riders and the fans. 

The Regina product split time playing guard and tackle for the Riders, but it appears he will play guard for the Colts if he makes the team.

Heenan was set to be a CFL free agent on Feb. 10. He was drafted first overall by the Riders in 2012 and won a Grey Cup with the club in 2013.