CFL B.C. Lions

Anton McKenzie Re-Signs with Lions

Published on January 30, 2012 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
B.C. Lions News Release


(Vancouver) The BC Lions Football Club announced this morning that import linebacker Anton McKenzie has re-signed with the team.

"Having Anton re-sign is another important step in keeping the core of our team intact moving forward," said VP of football operations and GM Wally Buono. "This is great news for our fans and we'll continue the process of assembling the best possible club for 2012."

"What makes Anton extremely valuable beyond his statistics is his ability to communicate with teammates and direct the defence on the fly," said head coach Mike Benevides. "His willingness to do whatever it takes and his quiet leadership are a big part of our team concept."

McKenzie was originally signed as a free agent prior to the 2009 season after spending three years as a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He has appeared in 52 games as a Leo and 82 games over his six-year CFL career to date. Quarterbacking the defence from his linebacker position, McKenzie was a standout for the club last season ranking second in tackles with 79 as well as adding two sacks.

"After capturing the Grey Cup last season and seeing how the club is being assembled for 2012, I couldn't think of a better situation to be in than with the Lions," said McKenzie. "Free agency was an option and I've gone that route before, but there simply isn't a better place to be and I'm excited to return and get back to work."

Showing versatility beyond his years, McKenzie added a pivotal special teams role late in the year helping the club to its 15th consecutive post-season appearance and a sixth Grey Cup title last November. Saving some of his biggest plays for when it mattered most, Anton picked off 'Bombers quarterback Buck Pierce in the first quarter of the Grey Cup Championship and added four tackles, a special teams stop and a pass knock down in the win.

Anton McKenzie - 42

Linebacker

U Mass - Import

Ht: 5.11 Wt: 225

Born: 01/04/81 - Stony Brook, NY

Yrs with Lions: 4th

Yrs in CFL: 7th

Games Played: 82 Lions: 52 Riders: 30

Playoff Games: 7 Lions: 4 Riders: 3

Grey Cup: 2 With Lions: 2011 With Saskatchewan: 2007

BC Lions 2012 season tickets are now on sale, call 604.589.ROAR for details or visit bclions.com.

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Canadian Football League Stories from January 30, 2012


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