July 8, 2014

Van Zeyl extended by Boatmen through 2016

Adam Gagnon

Argonauts.ca Staff

TORONTO — The Toronto Argonauts announced today that national OT Chris Van Zeyl has extended his contract with the team through the 2016 season.

“Chris came to us as a young, Canadian defensive lineman who had a very high athletic ceiling. We have watched closely over the years as he has grown and established himself as one of the top offensive tackles in our league. We are very happy to extend his contract and keep him in Double Blue into the future,” said GM Jim Barker.

A CFL and East Division All-Star in 2013, Van Zeyl has played more than five seasons as a member of the Double Blue. In total, he’s started 65 games and appeared in 76 on the offensive line. He is one of just a few Canadian starting right tackles in the CFL and was a vital part of the team’s 100th Grey Cup winning season while protecting star QB Ricky Ray. Prior to the start of 2014 season, Van Zeyl was named number 42 on the CFL on TSN’s Top 50 Players list.

“I am thrilled to extend my contract with the Argonauts. Since I’ve been here, this team has made it a priority to fill our locker room with exceptional players, as well as excellent coaches from whom I’ve learned so much,” said Van Zeyl.

It is because of this commitment to excellence that I have been able to develop and flourish as a player here. I am thankful for all the Argonauts have done, and continue to do, for me. I would like to thank my wife, my parents, my family, my friends and the fans for all of their support over the years. All of you make this game fun for me. Now, let’s go get another Grey Cup!”

Van Zeyl originally signed with the Argonauts as a free agent in September of 2008 after being drafted by the Montreal Alouettes (18th Overall) as a defensive lineman in the 2007 CFL Draft.

The McMaster University product played four seasons as a defensive lineman from 2004-07. As a senior, he was named a CIS All-Canadian, 1st Team All-OUA and the team’s Defensive Lineman of the Year. Born and raised in Southern Ontario’s Niagara Region, Van Zeyl attended Notre Dame High School in Welland.