January 15, 2013

Stamps sign Canadian linebacker McCartney to extension

Adam Gagnon/CFL.ca

Stampeders.com Staff

CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders announced Tuesday that they came to terms on a contract extension with non-import linebacker Karl McCartney.
 
In 2012, his third season in the CFL, McCartney re-established himself as one of the league’s premier special-teams players. The 25-year-old Saint Mary’s product led the Stampeders and ranked third in the CFL with 23 special-teams tackles. He added six special-teams tackles in the playoffs.
 
McCartney was part of a coverage unit that allowed Calgary to lead the league in net punting and yielded a league low of two punt returns of 30 or more yards.

McCartney also saw action on defence as a backup linebacker and registered nine tackles and one sack.
 
“Our special teams were very strong in 2012 and Karl was a important contributor to that phase of the game,” said Hufnagel. “I look forward to seeing Karl continue to excel in that department and also to becoming more of an integral part of our defence.”
 
McCartney played in all 18 regular-season games and three post-season contests in 2012 after injuries limited to eight games in 2011. As a rookie in 2010, McCartney led the Stampeders with 19 special-teams tackles.
 
“I’m proud to be a member of the Stampeders and I’m very happy for the chance to remain in Calgary,” said McCartney. “This is a great group of players and I have confidence that we will again be a serious contender for a championship.”