Linebacker extends contract and commitment to Toronto
MISSISSAUGA (CFL.ca wire) — Import defensive back Chuck Winters has given himself to the team and the Toronto community, and now the Toronto Argonauts Football Club is pleased to announce that his contract has been extended through the 2009 season.
“I am very pleased that my relationship with Chuck will continue in Toronto,” said head coach Rich Stubler. “He is a very special guy and our friendship dates back to 2000 when he was with the Detroit Fury of the AFL. Chuck is a consummate team person and he fulfills every role on our defence and special teams that we ask of him. Last year, he became our starting defensive back but was able to fill in at linebacker as well as contribute solid play on special teams.”
“Chuck personifies everything that our system is designed around which is speed and intelligence,” added defensive coordinator Kavis Reed. “He is a stabilizing force with a great understanding of the CFL game but perhaps more importantly, his leadership both on and off the field is a consistent trademark for who he is.”
Winters is coming off his most productive year both on and off the field. On the field, he racked up a career-high 38 defensive tackles as he permanently moved into the Argos starting defensive halfback position, from linebacker. Off the field, Winters was one of the most active players on the Argos roster making more than 150 appearances throughout Toronto and the GTA. Winters has shown his versatility as a defender over the past five seasons while playing linebacker, cornerback, defensive back and as a dominant special teams player. He also showed versatility in the community as an ambassador for the The Argos Foundation – Stop the Violence, as a key member of the Huddle Up Against Bullying program, and also helping at local charity fundraisers, hospitals, soup kitchens, minor football initiatives and many other community endeavours.
“Ultimately, this affords me the chance to play the game I love in the city that I love for the next few years,” said Winters. “More importantly, it allows me to continue my work in and around the Toronto community. In football, you build relationships with those around you on the field and the community is no different. I have established remarkable relationships within the city of Toronto and I look forward to continuing to build on them.”
Winters has been nominated by his teammates as the Argos’ representative for the CFLPA’s Tom Pate Award in each of the last three seasons. The award is given annually to the player that showcases outstanding charitable efforts and superior community involvement and leadership.
The Argonauts also announced the signing of import cornerback Kellan Quick and import defensive back Jason Shivers to new contracts. Quick joined the Argos in time for training camp last season and remained on the club’s practice roster for the entire 2007 campaign. Shivers also joined the Argos for training camp last season but suffered a season-ending injury in the Argos’ first pre-season game versus the Montreal Alouettes.
The club also announced that import running back Troy Davis has been released.
