CFL Toronto Argonauts

Argos celebrate anniversary season with return of record-holding running back

April 7, 2003 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Toronto Argonauts News Release


The Toronto Argonauts are celebrating their 130th Anniversary in 2003, and to mark the historic season, the team welcomed back one of the greatest running backs in team history today. Michael Jenkins, who set the team's all-time single season rushing record in 2001 with 1,484 yards on the ground, re-joins the Boatmen after spending last season with the NFL's Houston Texans. As per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Our commitment to our fans this off-season was to bring the excitement back to CFL football in Toronto and you can't find a player more exciting than Michael Jenkins" said Argos head coach Michael "Pinball" Clemons. "The thought of teaming up a running back like Michael Jenkins with a playmaker like Derrell Mitchell is a coach's, and fan's, dream!"

Jenkins exploded onto the CFL scene with the Argos in 2000 after finishing his collegiate career with the University of Arkansas Razorbacks, leading the team in rushing with 1,050 yards and 2 touchdowns. In his CFL debut, Jenkins racked up 148 yards on the ground and a touchdown against Saskatchewan. He followed up his impressive rookie season with an outstanding sophomore campaign, breaking the team's single-season rushing record with 1,484 rushing yards, earning CFL All-Star status and team MVP honours along the way.

His all-star season earned him a tryout with the expansion Houston Texans of the NFL in 2002 where he spent the season on the team's practice roster.

"I always appreciated the city of Toronto and its fans, and loved playing for the Argos, so this is an exciting day for me," said Jenkins. "I look forward to playing for "Pinball" again, and know that he has the team pointed in the right direction."

Jenkins will be back in Double Blue as the team kicks off training camp on May 24th at their University of Toronto at Mississauga training facility at Erindale Campus.

The Toronto Argonauts, North America's oldest professional football team, celebrate their 130th anniversary in 2003 with 14 Grey Cup championships to their credit, the most in Canadian Football League history. For Argo ticket information, please call (416) 545-1777.

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