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Toronto Argonauts

Argonauts sign franchise player John Avery

April 26, 2004 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Toronto Argonauts News Release


Toronto – The Toronto Argonauts Football Club announced today in a press conference that free agent John Avery will join the team just in time for the 2004 season. The former first round NFL draft pick and leading CFL rusher in 2002 is the biggest free agent signing of the year. The 28 year-old running back has decided to make Toronto his home for the next four seasons.

Of the signing, Adam Rita, Toronto Argonauts Vice President of Football Operations, commented, “This signing is on par with past Argo signings of players like Flutie and Ismail. We’re thrilled to have John wearing Double Blue. He is a very special football player and I’m excited to see him perform. The combo of Avery, Miles and Levingston will be worth the price of admission and then some. Avery has many weapons in his arsenal and has the potential to be one of the greatest backs to play in our league.”

Added Toronto Argonauts President and CEO Keith Pelley, “This sends a clear message to our fans that we are serious about putting a first-rate football team on the field and making a strong challenge for this year’s Grey Cup.”

John Avery has already made his mark in the CFL when he played for the Edmonton Eskimos in 2002, rushing 229 times for 1448 yards and 9 touchdowns, becoming the only first year CFL player to ever rush for more than 1400 yards. He also made 45 receptions for 387 yards and 2 touchdowns that year, earning his CFL All Star status. A native of Richmond, Virginia, Avery played for the University of Mississippi in 1996 and 1997. In 1996, he rushed 181 times for 788 yards and 2 touchdowns, making 16 receptions for 99 yards and 17 kick-off returns for 473 yards and 2 touchdowns. Despite battling an injury, Avery rushed 166 times for 862 yards and 7 touchdowns the following season, earning 19 receptions, 8 punt returns and 13 kick-off returns.

In 1998, Avery was a first round draft pick (29th overall) for the Miami Dolphins where he earned a Dolphins single season record for combined yards in his rookie season with 1655 yards. 1999 and 2000 were spent with the Denver Broncos. In 2001, Avery joined the XFLÂ’s Chicago Enforcers where he rushed 150 times for 800 yards and 5 touchdowns in 10 games. He also caught 17 passes for 297 yards and 2 touchdowns. Avery completed a brief stint with the Dallas Cowboys in 2001 before joining the CFLÂ’s Edmonton Eskimos in 2002. 2003 saw Avery sign with the Minnesota Vikings as a free agent where is played six games before being placed on injured reserve with a knee injury that has since healed.

John Avery commented on his motives for becoming an Argonaut. “The biggest reason I decided to come to Toronto was what happened this week with Coach Clemons. After his father’s funeral, he flew in just to meet with me in person, before flying back down to be with his family. It showed his drive and his desire to have me on the team. No one has ever done anything like that for me. He is a very strong person to take time away from his family to meet with me. The entire organization has shown a great desire for me. I haven’t been this happy since James Brown was released from jail! I learned a lot when I played in the CFL and I’m looking forward to playing the CFL game in Toronto.”

Of John Avery, Toronto Argonauts Head Coach Michael “Pinball” Clemons enthused, “Avery is short for ‘A-very, very’ good back. I’m going to have to correct myself right away because good does not do him justice. John has greatness written all over him. He is proficient in every facet of the game offensively. When you combine his electricity with Tony Miles, Bashir Levingston and Mookie Mitchell, the Skydome is sure to have another power outage. Running out of the shadows of Dick, and with legs as crazy as Ulysses Curtis, John has the ability to be the best back to don an Argo uniform. And that’s not flattery!”

Toronto Argonauts Director of Player Personnel Greg Mohns explained, “Players of this magnitude don’t come around every day. John is a rare talent and when you get a chance to pursue a player like him, it is special when you can sign him. John is also an exceptional person off the field with an unbelievable magnetism, wit and charisma. In terms of personality, he is in many ways the next coming of Michael Clemons. Once John visited Toronto, everything fell into place. He and our staff bonded instantly, giving him the comfort zone of a good fit both on and off field.”

The Toronto Argonauts are North America's oldest professional football club, having celebrated their 130th anniversary in 2003. The Toronto Argonauts have 14 Grey Cup championships to their credit. Full roster details are available at www.argonauts.ca. Season ticket hotline: (416) 341-ARGO.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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