Kyle Scott/CFL.ca
CFL.ca Staff
#CFLFA14
OTTAWA — It didn’t take long for Henry Burris to find a new home in the CFL. Tuesday, the Ottawa REDBLACKS announced the signing of the veteran QB to three-year contract.
The announcement comes just five days after Burris was released by the Tiger-Cats following the team’s signing of Zach Collaros.
The Spiro, Oklahoma native becomes the fourth quarterback on the team’s pre-season depth chart, joining Kevin Glenn, Thomas DeMarco and Matt Faulkner.
“Henry’s been signed here to be our starting quarterback. Any job is up for competition, we have three experienced quarterbacks,” said head coach Rick Campbell.
In 2013, Burris guided the Tiger-Cats to an appearance in the 101st Grey Cup in Regina.
The 38-year-old had a strong year under centre for the Ticats, leading the league in passing yards with 4,925, along with 24 touchdowns and 19 interceptions.
“Henry’s credentials speak for themselves. His addition to our team’s depth chart is a major step for our team and our organization,” said REDBLACKS general manager Marcel Desjardins.
“Henry is a true professional both on and off the field and we all know that he will be ready to compete when our training camp begins this spring.”
Burris first arrived in Hamilton after spending seven years in Calgary. He was acquired by the Ticats in 2012 in exchange for Glenn, who was selected by the REDBLACKS in the December Expansion Draft.
“I’m very excited to make Ottawa my next CFL home,” said Burris. “I’ve heard many great things about the new stadium and how people are getting pumped about football coming back to Ottawa. I’m really looking forward to being part of that scene.”
Burris brings an impressive list of credentials to Ottawa:
– Ranks fourth in all-time CFL regular season passing yardage (51,529) behind Anthony Calvillo, Damon Allen and Danny McManus.
– Ranks fourth in all-time CFL regular-season touchdown passes (324) and needs nine to equal Ron Lancaster for third at 333.
– Ranks fourth in all-time CFL completions with 3,672; behind Calvillo (5,892), Allen (5,158), Ricky Ray (3,780)
– Winner of two Grey Cups, both with the Calgary Stampeders in 1998 and 2008.
– Named MVP of the 2008 Grey Cup (328 passing yards and 79 rushing yards).
