Adam Gagnon
CFL.ca Staff
#CFLFA13
TORONTO — One of the most sought after free agents is now off the market as import tailback and reigning Grey Cup MVP Chad Kackert has elected to remain in Toronto, re-signing with the Argos Friday afternoon.
“Chad is a young player coming into his own in the CFL who took advantage of an excellent opportunity”, said Argos GM Jim Barker. “He played very well for us and he’s an important reason why we won the Grey Cup. Chad is well respected in our locker room and we’re thrilled to have him back in Toronto.”
Kackert joined the Argonauts in 2010, playing sparingly behind then-starter Cory Boyd. Upon Boyd’s dismissal in mid-2012, Kackert didn’t disappoint becoming a major threat on the ground and out of the backfield.
In 8 starts last season, Kackert carried the ball 100 times for 638 yards and five touchdowns, including a 172-yard, 3-touchdown performance against Hamilton in Week 10. He also caught 23 passes for 212 yards and a touchdown to bring his all-purpose yardage to 830.
Averaging over six yards per carry, Kackert entered the 2012 CFL playoffs on a tear and helped carry the Boatmen in the Eastern Semi-Final and Eastern Final, rushing for 227 yards and two touchdowns in the pair of contests. He then helped the Argos capture the 100th Grey Cup on home soil by being named the game’s Most Valuable Player after putting together a combined 185-yard night.
Remarked Kackert, “It feels right to be in Toronto where the fans, teammates, and staff have been loyal to me. It’s my honour to return that loyalty. I would like to thank the program for trusting me to be a part of its continued success. I also want to thank Dan Vertlieb, my agent, for his wisdom and guidance, and the many prayers provided by family and friends.”
Kackert was a four-year letterman for the University of New Hampshire Wildcats (2006-2009) as a Running Back and Kick Returner. During his career at UNH he finished with 462 rushes for 2,524 yards and 25 touchdowns, and added 19 receptions for 342 yards and four (4) touchdowns. He earned Second-Team ALL-CAA honours in his senior season.
