CFL Toronto Argonauts

Argos ink deals with key free agents

Published on February 12, 2004 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Toronto Argonauts News Release


Toronto - the Toronto Argonauts Football Club announced today in a press conference that it has signed deals with key returning players including quarterback Marcus Brady, offensive guard Sandy Annunziata, linebacker Michael Fletcher and running back Jeff Johnson (absent). Also at the press conference was previously announced returning player Noel Prefontaine.

Marcus Brady joined The Argos in September 2002 and has led an impressive charge. A native of San Diego, Brady cemented his arrival as one of the key new players to watch in the CFL with his stunning relief performance in the Eastern final where he threw three touchdown passes. In college, Brady was a four-year letterman (1998-2001) for Cal State Northridge, starting 43 consecutive games at quarterback. He led the nation in his senior year in total offense (363.2 yards per game), completions (257), attempts (428), passing yards (3,355), completions per game (25.7) and passing touchdowns (34).

Offensive lineman Sandy Annunziata is back for his 7th season in Double Blue colours. Hailing from Fort Erie and a former Western Mustang, Annunziata is a standout on the offensive line. In 2003, he played in 15 regular season and 2 post-season games. He was an Eastern Division All Star in 2002 and the team's nominee for Most Outstanding Lineman. When not playing football, Sandy has kept himself busy with acting roles, including a small part in "The Sum of All Fears".

From Gardenia, CA, Michael Fletcher was originally signed as a free agent by the Toronto Argonauts on May 2, 2002. Last season, Michael Fletcher, a University of Oregon graduate, started every game on defense. The athletic and hard-hitting Fletcher is a versatile defender who accumulated 82 defensive tackles in the 2003 season.

Toronto native Jeff Johnson joined the Toronto Argonauts as a free agent on February 22, 2002. Last season, the running back played in every game and started the last three regular season games at fullback, replacing the injured Randy Bowles. The York University graduate totalled 26 yards rushing on 9 attempts and 12 special teams tackles for the season.

Toronto Argonauts' head coach Michael "Pinball" Clemons is thrilled with the signings. Commented Clemons: "I am giddy with excitement trying to internalize what today means in relation to the remainder of 2004. In one day, we bring to you our quarterback of the future and quite possibly the present, as well as two key members of his offensive line which will be the foundation of our success. Not only that, with today's announcement of the signing of Michael Fletcher, every defensive starter from a year ago is now under contract. And, just for kicks, we've significantly augmented our special teams with a local running back and special teams veteran as well as the re-signing of the best kicker in the Canadian Football League."

Adam Rita, Toronto Argonauts Vice President of Football Operations, remarked, "We are very excited to announce the signing of these key players. The combination of new owners, a new stadium, the future stars of tomorrow and the present stars of today ushers in a new era for the Toronto Argonauts, providing a winning combination both on and off the field. The enthusiasm, courage and desire of our owners Howard Sokolowski and David Cynamon and our president Keith Pelley make the 2004 Argonauts the team to watch this season."

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.

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Canadian Football League Stories from February 12, 2004


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