CFL Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Blue Bombers Acquire Riall Johnson in Trade with Argonauts

February 19, 2009 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers News Release


WINNIPEG, MB - The Winnipeg Football Club has acquired non-import defensive end Riall Johnson from the Toronto Argonauts today.

The Blue Bombers sent import linebacker Zeke Moreno and a conditional pick in the 2009 CFL Draft to Toronto in exchange for Johnson.

Johnson (6-3, 240, Stanford '01, DOB: Apr. 20, 1978 in Raymond, AB) comes to Winnipeg after spending the last four seasons in Toronto.

"Riall is a proven quality starter that can rush off the edge, or move inside. We're always looking for players that can provide us with versatility and we can put him a few different spots," said head coach Mike Kelly.

Johnson appeared in 15 games last season with the Argonauts, getting 10 starts on the defensive line. He recorded four sacks, 34 defensive tackles, two tackles for loss, and a forced fumble.

"We believe that he is one of the best non-import players out there," Kelly said.

The 31-year-old out of Stanford had an outstanding season for Toronto in 2007, when he finished third in the league with 10 sacks.

Before he started his career in the CFL in 2005, Johnson spent some time in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals and Cincinnati Bengals. He was originally drafted by the Bengals in the sixth round of the 2001 NFL Draft.

Prior to his professional career, Johnson had a stellar collegiate career at Stanford. He led the PAC-10 in sacks in his final two seasons at Stanford. In 1999 he was named Second-Team All-Pac 10.




Canadian Football League Stories from February 19, 2009


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