CFL Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Winnipeg Blue Bombers add Markese Fitzgerald

Published on September 1, 2004 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers News Release


WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today added a promising young defensive back to its practice roster with the acquisition of Markese Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald (5-11, 186, Miami '01, DOB: Apr. 25, 1979 in St. Petersburg, FL) joins the Big Blue after attending several NFL camps and being a member of the Dallas Cowboys practice roster.

THE NFL YEARS – MINNESOTA VIKINGS – 2004

Fitzgerald worked out for the Minnesota Vikings, Aug. 4, 2004. He was waiting for a reply from the Vikings when the Winnipeg Blue Bombers offered him a job.

THE NFL YEARS – DALLAS COWBOYS – 2003

Fitzgerald attended the 2003 Dallas Cowboys training camp. He was injured in camp and was later released.

THE NFL YEARS – DALLAS COWBOYS – 2002

Fitzgerald joined the Cowboys after trying out for both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Indianapolis Colts. He impressed the Cowboys coaches so much that he made their practice roster and remained there for the entire 2002 NFL season.

THE NFL YEARS – INDIANAPOLIS COLTS – 2002

Fitzgerald signed with the Colts, Aug. 28, 2002. He stayed with the Colts until his release, Sept. 9, 2002.

THE NFL YEARS – TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS – 2002

After college, Fitzgerald signed a rookie free agent contract with the Buccaneers. He attended the Bucs training camp before being released Aug. 25, 2002.

THE COLLEGE YEARS – MIAMI HURRICANES

Fitzgerald had a solid career with the powerful Miami Hurricanes college football program. He played in 48 games, starting 15 of those outings.

As a senior in 2001, Fitzgerald mostly played in nickel and dime back situations. His ability to light up opposing receivers earned him the team's Hard Hitter Award that season.

He placed 11th on the team in defensive tackles with 37. He added seven pass knockdowns, four tackles for a loss of 20 yards, three forced fumbles, two quarterback sacks for 18 yards lost and two interception returns for seven yards.

His highlights that year included two defensive tackles, a forced fumble and a pass knockdown in Miami's 37-14 victory over Nebraska in the Rose Bowl.

As a junior, Fitzgerald again played primarily as a nickel and dime back. He had 16 defensive tackles, 10 pass knockdowns, two interception returns for four yards, a quarterback sack for 13 yards lost and a tackle for a loss of 13 yards. He also blocked a punt in a game against the Washington Huskies.

Though he only played in eight games as a sophomore, Fitzgerald was impressive. He totaled 31 defensive tackles, two pass knockdowns, one tackle for a loss of three yards, one interception return for zero yards and one forced fumble.

Fitzgerald started nine of the 11 games in which he appeared as a rookie in 1998. He tallied 34 defensive tackles, five pass knockdowns and one fumble return.

Fitzgerald played three games in 1997 before suffering a serious foot injury. He missed the remainder of the season and received medical redshirt status.

THE HIGH-SCHOOL YEARS – DIXIE HOLLINS REBELS

Fitzgerald played his high-school football for the Dixie M. Hollins Rebels of St. Petersburg, Florida, where he was named one of the top players in the state. PrepStar and SuperPrep magazines named him to their respective All-American Teams. He was a 5A First-Team All-State selection and his school's MVP.

He totaled 110 defensive tackles, five interceptions and four quarterback sacks in his senior season. He also played in the Florida-Georgia All-Star Game for graduating seniors.

Check out the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Canadian Football League Stories from September 1, 2004


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central