Eric Mezzalira (born March 10, 1994) is a former professional Canadian football linebacker. He was most recently a member of the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL).
| Born: | March 10, 1994 Hamilton, Ontario, Canada |
|---|---|
| Career information | |
| CFL status | National |
| Position(s) | Linebacker |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | 225 lb (102 kg) |
| University | McMaster |
| High school | Cardinal Newman Secondary |
| CFL draft | 2018, round: 2, pick: 17 |
| Drafted by | Calgary Stampeders |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 2018–2020 | Calgary Stampeders |
| 2021 | Toronto Argonauts* |
| 2022 | Winnipeg Blue Bombers* |
| 2022 | Montreal Alouettes* |
| *Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| Career stats | |
| |
University career
editMezzalira played U Sports football for the McMaster Marauders from 2014 to 2017.[1]
Professional career
editCalgary Stampeders
editMezzalira was selected to the Ontario Regional Combine where he earned an invitation to the CFL National Combine. He scored the highest result on the Wonderlic at the combine. Mezzalira was drafted in the second round, 17th overall, by the Calgary Stampeders in the 2018 CFL Draft and signed with the team on May 14, 2018.[2] He dressed in his first professional game in the team's 2018 season opener on June 16, 2018 against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. In total, he dressed in 14 regular season games in 2018 where he recorded five special teams tackles. Mezzalira also played in both post-season games, including in the 106th Grey Cup where he had one special teams tackle in the victory over the Ottawa Redblacks.[3]
His 2019 season was beset by injury as he only played in eight regular season games and one playoff game where he had six special teams tackles and one forced fumble. He did not play in 2020 due to the cancellation of the 2020 CFL season and he became a free agent upon the expiration of his rookie contract on February 9, 2021.[4]
Toronto Argonauts
editOn June 30, 2021, Mezzalira signed with the Toronto Argonauts.[4] He spent the entire year on the practice roster and his contract expired on December 6, 2021.[5]
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
editOn April 11, 2022, Mezzalira was signed by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.[6] However, he was released with the final training camp cuts on June 5, 2022.[6]
Montreal Alouettes
editOn July 31, 2022, it was announced that Mezzalira had signed a practice roster agreement with the Montreal Alouettes.[7] However, he was recently shortly after on August 5, 2022.[6]
References
edit- ^ "One step at a time". The Silouette. March 22, 2018.
- ^ "Stampeders sign entire 2018 draft class". Canadian Football League. May 14, 2018.
- ^ "Stoney Creek native Eric Mezzalira 'on top of the world' after Calgary Stampeders' Grey Cup victory". hamiltonnews.com. December 3, 2018.
- ^ a b "Transactions – Football player trades and signings". Canadian Football League. Retrieved July 1, 2021.
- ^ "Transactions – Football player trades and signings". Canadian Football League. Retrieved January 3, 2022.
- ^ a b c "Transactions – Football player trades and signings". Canadian Football League. Retrieved July 31, 2022.
- ^ "Montrealer Pier-Olivier Lestage joins the Alouettes". Montreal Alouettes. July 31, 2022.