Yo Murphy set for another year in Ottawa
January 27, 2005 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Ottawa Renegades News Release
OTTAWA â The Ottawa Renegades football club made another significant signing Thursday, securing receiver Yo Murphy to a one-year contract to return for the 2005 season. The team also inked offensive lineman Jean-François Roy to a one-year deal (plus an option).
The 33-year-old Murphy danced around the prospect of retirement last fall in one of his most productive year as a professional. Murphy was the Renegades' leading receiver, hauling in a team-high 61 catches for 1,090 yards and six touchdowns. The 5-foot-10, 187-pound California native -- a 12-year professional (CFL, XFL, NFL and NFL Europe) -- made his decision to return to Ottawa last week and inked the one-year deal (plus an option) with plenty of optimism.
"When (Joe Paopao) got the job it made me make my decision to come back. From the conversations I have had with Joe during contract negotiations, I am happy with the direction this franchise is going and I am excited about the opportunities we are going to have for next season," said Murphy. "And I'm just definitely happy to be back in Ottawa. I wouldn't go anywhere else in the CFL."
Renegades Head Coach and General Manager Joe Paopao was equally pleased to welcome back a key leader inside the team's locker room.
"With Yo, you get stability at the receiver spot and a player that young players all look up to," said Paopao, fresh off a trip to the Senior Bowl â where he was scouting some of the top American collegiate players finishing their amateur careers. "He is a quality player and a real quality person. A pro's pro."
Murphy began his professional football career with the B.C. Lions after finishing his collegiate days with the University of Idaho Vandals as the third-leading receiver in school history. He played parts of five seasons in NFL Europe, being named World Bowl MVP in 1996 and then went on to the NFL with stints in Minnesota, St. Louis, Tampa Bay and Kansas City. In 2001 he led the XFL's Las Vegas Demons with 27 receptions for 273 yards and six touchdowns.
One of the steadiest and dynamic offensive players with the Renegades in 2004, Murphy averaged 17.9 yards per catch.
Roy, a product of the proud Bishop's University Gaiters program, will enter his second training camp with the Renegades after having an impressive debut last summer. The 6-foot-3, 300-pound native of Quebec City went back to school in 2004 and finished his eligibility as a tackle with the Gaiters. Roy, 27, was named the team's lineman of the year in 2001, 2003 and 2004. He appeared in both Renegades pre-season games last summer against the Montreal Alouettes.
"We're excited to get J-F back. He showed himself well at training camp last year," said Paopao. "J-F had a solid career at Bishop's and we hope he continues it here in Ottawa."
Canadian Football League Stories from January 27, 2005
- 2005 CFL Coach of the Year Luncheon on February 24th is sold out - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Two young stars sign with Alouettes - Montreal Alouettes
- Stamps camp starts tonight - Calgary Stampeders
- Stamps Hoop it up for Cancer - Calgary Stampeders
- Labatt Blue Lightning Dance Team tryout dates announced - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Yo Murphy set for another year in Ottawa - Ottawa Renegades
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.
