Sports stats



CFL Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Winnipeg Blue Bombers Sign Defensive End Tristan Okpalaugo

February 9, 2017 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers News Release


WINNIPEG, MB. - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has signed International defensive end Tristan Okpalaugo to a two-year agreement.

Okpalaugo (OH-PAH-LAH-UGO) (6-6, 250, Fresno State, October 10, 1989, in Livermore, CA) returns to the CFL in 2017 where he previously spent two seasons with the Toronto Argonauts (2014-2015). He played in all 36 games over those two seasons, starting 35. Over that span, he recorded 22 sacks, five forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, ten tackles for loss, two interceptions and 67 defensive tackles.

"I know it sounds cliché, but we got our guy," said Blue Bombers General Manager Kyle Walters. "We have had Tristan targeted for quite some time now, and to finally secure him is a great thing for us. He's a game-changing football player, there's no question about it, and we are excited to see what he will bring to our defence."

Okpalaugo began his CFL career in 2014 and was nominated as the East Division's Most Outstanding Rookie, finishing tied for third in the league in quarterback sacks with 12. A year later, he racked up another 10 before signing with the Arizona Cardinals in February of 2016.

"I'm really excited to join Coach O'Shea and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers," said Okpalaugo. "It was a process that took some time in terms of determining where was the best fit, but the organization in Winnipeg is very attractive for me; from the players and coaches to the facilities they have. The fans are deeply invested in the team, and it seems like just a great football town. I can't wait."

Okpalaugo was a standout at Fresno State during his four seasons there, including being nominated for the Bulsworth Trophy as a senior, the award given to the most outstanding player in the nation who began his career as a walk-on. He played in 29 total games (19 starts) and had 84 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks with one INT (returned for TD), one forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

"With the signing of Tristan and the addition of Kenny Stafford last month, we were able to secure two players we had targeted as free agents and that we feel could improve our roster immensely," added Walters.

Check out the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Statistics



Canadian Football League Stories from February 9, 2017


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.

Other Recent Winnipeg Blue Bombers Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central