Stampeders.com
Stampeders.com Staff
CALGARY — Calgary Stampeders head coach and general manager John Hufnagel is pleased to announce the re-signing of non-import defensive lineman Justin Phillips. As per team policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Phillips, who had been eligible to become a free agent on Feb. 15, is one of the longest-serving members of the Stampeders. The 27-year-old Ottawa native joined the team in 2007 after being selected in the first round (fifth overall) out of Wilfrid Laurier University in the CFL Canadian Draft.
In six seasons with the Stamps, Phillips has been a stalwart on the special-teams unit and has played both defensive end and linebacker on defence. He has accumulated 65 defensive tackles and 60 special-teams tackles over the course of his career as well as two sacks, five pass knockdowns, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
“Justin is a reliable veteran on both defence and special teams and his versatility makes him a very valuable member of the team,” said Hufnagel. “I know he has been working extremely hard during the off-season and I look forward to seeing him return to the field at training camp.”
Phillips was limited to eight games during the 2012 campaign because of a season-ending knee injury suffered in a Sept. 14 game against Winnipeg. Before the injury, he recorded five tackles, four special-teams tackles and one pass knockdown. He has played 85 regular-season games and six post-season contests for Calgary and was a member of the Stampeders’ 2008 Grey Cup championship squad.
“Calgary has been my home away from home for six years and I’m very happy to be staying with the Stampeders,” said Phillips. “My knee continues to heal and I’m on pace to be ready for the start of the upcoming season.
“I’ve won one Grey Cup here in Calgary and I believe this team has the potential to once again compete for the championship. Not only does this team have great potential, it’s a great group of players and coaches to work with.”
