CFL Calgary Stampeders

Grace back in red and white

Published on February 8, 2005 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Calgary Stampeders News Release


(Calgary) – Today Calgary Stampeders' Head Coach and VP of Football Operations Tom Higgins announced the re-signing of Linebacker John Grace. This past season John was named the teams Most Outstanding Player, Most Outstanding Defensive Player and Western Division Most Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year. He was also named to the Western Division All-Star and CFL All-Star teams.

As per Club policy terms of the contract were not disclosed.

"Since Day 1 we've looked at signing John Grace as a top priority," stated Senior Vice-President of Football Operations/Head Coach Tom Higgins. "This past season John established himself as one of the best defensive players in the Canadian Football League. He is an outstanding athlete who has great football instincts, enabling him to make big plays."

Below is a closer look at John Grace:

John Grace

#7

LINEBACKER

College: Marshall

HT: 5'11" WT: 218 lbs

Born: October 2, 1977

Birthplace: Okeechobee, Florida

CFL Experience: 6th Year

Games Played: Regular Season – 55; West Semi-Final – 0; West Final – 0; East Semi-Final-1; Grey Cup - 0

Stampeder Experience: 2nd Year

Games Played: Regular Season – 17; West Semi-Final – 0; West Final – 0; Grey Cup - 0

Import

Pro

Entering his 2nd season with the Stampeders ... acquired via trade on January 13, 2004 with the Ottawa Renegades ... originally signed as a free agent by Montreal on June 21, 2000 ... played his first CFL game against Toronto on July 11, 2000 leading Montreal with five total tackles.

2004

Grace, who was acquired in the 2004 off-season in a trade with the Ottawa Renegades, played in 17 of the 18 regular season games. John was named the Most Outstanding Player and Most Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year for the Stampeders, Most Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year for the Western Division (runner-up to Anwar Stewart for CFL defensive player of the year) ... he was also named Western Division All-Star and CFL All-Star ... He recorded 53 defensive tackles (5th on the team), 7 sacks (1st on team), 7 pass knockdowns (tied for 2nd on team), 5 tackles for a loss (tied for 3rd on the team), 4 special team tackles, 3 interceptions (tied for 1st on team), 2 fumble recoveries (tied for 2nd on team), and 1 blocked kick (tied for 1st on team).

Grace achieved individual single season career high's in the following: sacks (7), interceptions (tied with 2002 total at 3), interception return yardage (117 yards which included 2 TD's), and pass knockdowns (7). Grace may have had his most impressive game against his former club, the Ottawa Renegades, back on July 29. In the first quarter alone, Grace recorded 3 quarterback sacks for a total loss of 43 yards along with a tackle for a loss of 2 yards, moving the Renegades back 45 yards. Grace would finish the game making a statement as he recorded 3 defensive tackles, 3 quarterback sacks, 1 tackle for a loss and 1 special team tackle. He also held the CFL season's best interception return for 95 yards and tied with several players for most interceptions in one game, with 2 on August 7th vs the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Grace was named Defensive Player of the Week four times (Week 2, 7, 8, 12) and Defensive Player of the Month twice (August and September). During the month of August Grace recorded 13 tackles, one (1) special teams tackle, four (4) quarterback sacks and two (2) interceptions for 95 yards, returning one for a touchdown. In September, Grace recorded 18 defensive tackles, one special teams tackle, two quarterback sacks, five pass knockdowns, and one fumble recovery. He was also named the CFL Defensive Player of the Week first runner up during week 15.

2003

Grace led the team with three fumble recoveries...Ranked second on the team with 74 defensive tackles behind Kelly Wiltshire...he also finished second on the team in tackles for loss recording 4 for 8 yards...Grace also recorded 1 interception on October 13th vs the Toronto Argonauts...finishing up the season with 1 QB sack, 1 Special Team Tackle and 2 Knockdowns.

2002

Named Renegades Most Outstanding Player by Ottawa sports media... Became the first Renegades player to be selected to the CFL All-Star team (November 2002)... Led the league with eight forced fumbles, four more than any other player... Shared the league lead with Willie Fells of Calgary and Brendon Ayanbadejo of BC with five recovered fumbles... Blocked one punt, intercepted three passes and knocked down a pass... Led the Renegades with eight tackles for losses... Shared team lead with Shawn Gallant with 16 tackles on special teams... Ranked third on the Club with 66 defensive tackles behind Kelly Wiltshire and Donnovan Carter... Recorded first sack in Renegades history when he tackled Saskatchewan quarterback Nealon Greene for a 10-yard loss June 28 in the club's first game... Won league Defensive Player of the Week award after a stellar performance Oct. 6 vs. Edmonton in which he had three defensive tackles, one tackle on special teams, one sack and two forced fumbles in the first quarter that led to 10 Ottawa points.

UNIVERSITY/ HIGH SCHOOL

Attended Okeechobee High School in Florida, where he competed in track & Field (1992 to 1994) and football (1992 to 1995)... Named the Motor City Bowl MVP in 48-29 victory over Louisville at Detroit (December 23, 1998)... Voted Marshall's Defensive MVP (1998, 1999)... Voted to first All-MAC team with Marshall (1998, 1999)...Totaled 437 tackles (fifth all-time at Marshall), 54 tackles for losses, and 15 sacks (1996 to 1999).

PERSONAL

Graduated from Marshall with a degree in Criminal Justice (2000)...Spent off-season working on a Masters degree in Adult Education at Marshall.

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