Denzel Radford (born May 28, 1994) is a Canadian former professional football defensive back who played in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played U Sports football for the Calgary Dinos as a receiver, defensive back, and kick returner from 2013 to 2016.[1]

Denzel Radford
No. 46
Born: (1994-05-28) May 28, 1994 (age 30)
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Career information
CFL statusNational
Position(s)Defensive back
Height6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight198 lb (90 kg)
UniversityCalgary Dinos
High schoolSaint Francis High
CFL draft2017, round: 6, pick: 48
Drafted byMontreal Alouettes
Career history
As player
2017Montreal Alouettes*
20172019Saskatchewan Roughriders
2020Toronto Argonauts*
*Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career stats

Professional career

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Montreal Alouettes

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Radford was drafted by the Montreal Alouettes in the sixth round, 48th overall, in the 2017 CFL Draft as a wide receiver and signed with the club on May 17, 2017.[2] He participated in the team's 2017 training camp, and was converted to a defensive back, but did not play in any pre-season games.[3]

Saskatchewan Roughriders

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On June 7, 2017, the Alouettes traded Radford to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in exchange for offensive lineman, Matt Vonk.[4] He made his professional debut on June 22, 2017, against his former team, the Alouettes. He played in all 18 regular season games and recorded two defensive tackles and 24 special teams tackles, finishing fourth in the CFL in special teams tackles in 2017.

The following two seasons saw Radford beset by injuries. In the 2018 season opener, he endured a torn labrum injury and was on the injured list for the remainder of the year.[5] In 2019, he played in the first four games of the season, but suffered a knee injury and did not play until the last two regular season games of the season.[5] He also played in the West Final against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He completed his three-year rookie contract, having played in 25 regular season games, tallying two defensive tackles and 28 special teams tackles.

Toronto Argonauts

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Upon entering free agency, he signed with the Toronto Argonauts on February 12, 2020.[6] The 2020 CFL season was later cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Personal life

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Radford was born to parents Jennifer Radford and Don Bruno, who named him after American actor, Denzel Washington.[5] He also has a brother, Don Bruno Jr. He has completed two undergraduate degrees from the University of Calgary in Finance and Economics. [5]

References

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  1. ^ "Calgary Dinos, 2016 Football Roster, Denzel Radford". Calgary Dinos. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  2. ^ "Alouettes sign all eight 2017 CFL draftees". Montreal Alouettes. May 19, 2017. Retrieved April 25, 2020.
  3. ^ "CFL Transactions, 2017". Canadian Football League. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  4. ^ "Alouettes acquire national offensive lineman Matt Vonk". Montreal Alouettes. June 7, 2017. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  5. ^ a b c d Zicarelli, Frank (April 7, 2020). "Finances and football fuel newest Argo Denzel Radford". Toronto Sun. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  6. ^ "CFLFA: Argos add National Denzel Radford". Toronto Argonauts. February 12, 2020. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
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