CFL Edmonton Elks

Eskimos snare former NFL first rounder

Published on May 5, 2003 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Edmonton Elks News Release


Edmonton, AB - The Edmonton Eskimos have agreed to terms with receiver/kick returner Reidel Anthony, a former first round pick of the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

After a brilliant career with at Florida where he finished third in team history with 26 receiving TDs and seventh on the Gators all-time list with 126 career receptions, Anthony was selected 16th overall by Tampa Bay in the 1997 NFL Draft. He made an immediate impact in the pro ranks. In his first season with the Bucs, Anthony finished as the NFC's top rookie receiver with 35 catches for 448 yards and 4 TDs (tied for team lead). By mid-season, he became Tampa's primary kick-off returner and finished with 25 returns for a team leading 23.7 yds average.

1998 was a watershed season in Anthony's career. Despite missing one game Anthony became the Bucs all-time leader in kick return yards, led the Bucs in receptions (51), receiving yards (708) and receiving TDs (7). In 1999, he hauled in 30 passes for 296 yards and 1 TD in 13 regular season games. The following season, Anthony had 4 TDs and 15 receptions for 232 yards. In 2001, his final year in Tampa Bay, Anthony posted 13 catches for 162 yards. He signed as an unrestricted free agent with Washington March 6, 2002, but was released August 25th, 2002.

"Reidel Anthony has performed at a high level in the NFL and we think he has the tools necessary to be effective in the more wide open CFL." Eskimo Head Coach Tom Higgins said.

Reidel Anthony

WR/KR (Import)

Florida

Ht: 5-11 Wt: 180

Born: October 20, 1976 – Pahol, FL

Yrs Esks: 1 Yrs CFL: 1 Yrs Pro: 5

Acquired: Signed as a free agent May 5, 2003

Pro: A first round pick (16th overall) of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 1997 NFL Draft. Played five seasons (1997-2001) with Tampa. Signed as an unrestricted free agent with Washington Redskins March 6, 2002. Released August 25, 2002.

College/Personal: Reidel enjoyed great success playing in Steve Spurriers "Fun ‘n Gun" offence at Florida and was a highly touted prospect coming out of college. He finished his Gators career third on the schools' all-time list with 26 receiving TDs and his 126 career receptions tied him for seventh on the career list. He finished second in Florida history with 2,274 receiving yards.

The Edmonton Eskimos open their 2003 training camp Sunday, May 25th at Concordia University College of Alberta. Edmonton Eskimo 2003 season tickets are now available, ranging in price from $109 to $350. Call (780) 448-ESKS or 1-800-667-3757 to get yours today! For more information on the Edmonton Eskimo Football Club, please visit our web site at www.esks.com.

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Canadian Football League Stories from May 5, 2003


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