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Blue Bombers first-round draft pick Nuer Gatkuoth will have a big crowd in support for him when he returns to his hometown of Edmonton this week; photos by Cameron Bartlett There will be a moment sometime prior to kickoff this Friday in Edmonton when Nuer Gatkuoth will take the opportunity to scan the crowd at Commonwealth Stadium and offer a wave or a salute to his mom, members of his family, his girlfriend, his friends and all those there to cheer his every move. And, to tell the truth, that moment might be enough to bring the Winnipeg Blue Bombers rookie defensive end to tears. “There’s going to be a lot of emotions,” began Gatkuoth in a chat with bluebombers.com following practice on Tuesday. “There’s going to be a lot of people there. A lot of kids. A lot of family. It’s going to be a good day. “But my mom has only been to three games my whole life because she couldn’t really go to my games when I was growing up because of work and then I went to high school and college in America. That’s why I’m expecting the emotions. “I’m going to try not to tear up but I’m definitely going to give them all a wave or a high five before the game to show them I’m here for them.” Gatkuoth will be making his first appearance in Edmonton, his hometown, since the Blue Bombers selected the Wake Forest University product fourth overall in the 2026 CFL Canadian Draft. The son of South Sudanese immigrants — his parents fled their home country during one of Sudanese civil wars, first arriving in Ontario before calling Edmonton home — Gatkuoth has long been appreciative of how their struggle has helped give him a better opportunity. His father returned to Africa years ago, leaving his mother — Martha Tut — to raise him and his five brothers and three sisters as a single parent. There are so many who have helped him along his journey to pro football, but his mother is clearly his biggest inspiration. “My mom usually keeps to herself and doesn’t really like to talk about (the war and the decision to immigrate to Canada) because hearing that can bring anybody down,” Gatkuoth said. “She’s a strong woman and she has said it was really hard getting out of that environment. But she did it and I’m here today because of that. It’s a blessing. “She’s had to raise us all herself. Growing up she was working at KFC and she cleaned toilets before she went to school and got her degree so she could work in caretaking so she’s been doing that for the past few years. Like I said, she’s a strong woman.” Gatkuoth hopes to have a chance to visit with his family Thursday night after the team travels to Edmonton for Friday’s game. And among the crowd against the Elks will be dozens of kids with South Sudanese backgrounds. “I really do feel like I’m partly playing for my community and representing them,” he said. “There’s going to be a lot of kids there. One of my good friends, she set up a community for kids from South Sudan so there’s going to be a lot of those kids coming out. “It warms the heart. I’m out there putting out for them and they’re watching me. It’s like I’m an inspiration for those kids.” Gatkuoth and yours truly conducted our interview following practice on Tuesday and after he had spent time signing autographs of kids who had attended the session. Still just 24, Gatkuoth has suited up for all nine games so far this season — the 10th in front of his family and friends will be mammoth — and already the club is starting to see his skillset. What’s also transforming is his overall confidence level. “It’s been a learning process coming here and learning the different rules and all the moving parts,” Gatkuoth said. “But it’s been so much fun to learn from Willie (Jefferson) and all the old guys like Cam (Lawson), Schmek (Tanner Schmekel) and Jake (Ceresna). “I feel like I’ve been getting better each week, and I got my first sack a couple weeks ago against Calgary. It’s been a great experience so far. “And I can’t wait for Friday.” NOTABLE: We mentioned this in last week’s Upon Further Review, but it bears repeating: Sergio Castillo is now the CFL’s all-time leader for field goals of 50 yards or more with 41 long bombs — one more than Troy Westwood. Here’s Blue Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea when asked by Paul Friesen of The Sun what he will most remember about Castillo when he’s done with the game: “Honestly, I think it’s going to be the personality in the locker room. I hope that’s what I remember. He’s a great guy to have in the locker room. He’s good, good for his teammates, a lot of fun. He doesn’t take himself too seriously — he has the ability to laugh at himself all the time. He’s a good one to have around.” O’Shea also lauded Castillo’s quest to keep improving his game, even at the age of 35. “He’s always trying to push his limits, and that kind of growth is important,” said O’Shea. “It’s easier to see when a kicker keeps changing his distance and moving things around and trying to make things difficult on himself. It’s harder to see a linebacker push his limits… what does it look like in practice, for a linebacker? It’s very easy to see as a kicker.” OUCH REPORT: The Blue Bombers will hold a closed practice on Wednesday and Tuesday’s session was held again without RB Brady Oliveira and receiver Nic Demski, for what it’s worth. Injury Report: August 18, 2026 #ForTheW | @DoctorsManitoba pic.twitter.com/kvn5uyOdfu — Winnipeg Blue Bombers (@Wpg_BlueBombers) August 18, 2026 ICYMI: We had a sensational visit with second-year Canadian linebacker/defensive back Jaylen Smith on our Huddle live show today. You can check it out here if you missed it and see all our other previous shows, too: