Kwaku Boateng (born April 26, 1995) is a Ghanaian-Canadian former professional football defensive end who played in the Canadian Football League (CFL).[1] He played U Sports football for the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks.
| No. 93 | |
 Boateng with the Edmonton Elks in 2021 | |
| Born: | April 26, 1995 Ghana |
|---|---|
| Career information | |
| CFL status | National |
| Position(s) | Defensive end |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Weight | 257 lb (117 kg) |
| University | Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks |
| High school | Bishop Reding Catholic Secondary School |
| CFL draft | 2017, round: 5, pick: 41 |
| Drafted by | Edmonton Eskimos |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 2017–2021 | Edmonton Eskimos / Elks |
| 2022 | Ottawa Redblacks |
| 2023 | Hamilton Tiger-Cats |
| Career stats | |
| |
Early life
editBoateng was born in Ghana and grew up in Milton, Ontario.[2]
University career
editHe played four years for the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks and is program's all-time sack leader. He was named a 2016 CIS Men's Football Second Team All-Canadian and is a two-time Academic All-Canadian.[3]
Professional career
editEdmonton Eskimos / Elks
editBoateng was selected in the fifth round (41st overall) in the 2017 CFL Draft by the Edmonton Eskimos. He was signed by the Eskimos on May 23, 2017.[4] He registered 21 defensive tackles, four sacks and one forced fumble in 18 regular season games during the 2017 season. In the 2017 CFL West Semi-Final, he recorded three tackles against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He also appeared in the West Final against the Calgary Stampeders.[5] He was nominated as the team's Rookie of the Year candidate for the 2017 CFL Awards.[6] Boateng continued his strong play in 2018 with 26 defensive tackles and nine quarterback sacks. On February 1, 2019, Boateng and the Eskimos agreed to a two-year contract extension.[7]
In 2019, he was the Edmonton Eskimos' Most Outstanding Defensive Player.[8] He re-signed with Edmonton on a contract extension through 2021 on December 26, 2020.[9] He became a free agent upon the expiry of his contract on February 8, 2022.[10]
Ottawa Redblacks
editOn February 8, 2022, Boateng signed a one-year contract with the Ottawa Redblacks.[11] However, he suffered an injury and did not play in any games for the team. In the following offseason, he became a free agent on February 14, 2023.[12]
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
editOn February 15, 2023, it was announced that Boateng had signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.[13] He was released on June 13, 2023.[14]
Despite interest from CFL teams, he announced his retirement on July 20, 2023.[15]
References
edit- ^ Scott, Morley (April 26, 2018). "Edmonton Eskimos' rookie defensive end Kwaku Boateng is 'super excited'". 630CHED. Retrieved 2018-05-12.
- ^ "DRAFT DAY SLIDE MOTIVATED BOATENG TO PROVE DOUBTERS WRONG". cfl.ca. April 26, 2020. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
- ^ LeBlanc, Steve (2017-07-17). "Boateng pleased with initial progress in CFL". InsideHalton.com. Retrieved 2018-05-12.
- ^ "A team by team look at the 2017 CFL Draft - CFL.ca". CFL.ca. 2017-05-07. Retrieved 2018-05-12.
- ^ "Kwaku Boateng - CFL.ca". CFL.ca. Retrieved 2018-05-12.
- ^ "CFL announces 2017 team award winners - CFL.ca". CFL.ca. 2017-11-01. Retrieved 2018-05-12.
- ^ "Eskimos Extend Boateng". Edmonton Eskimos. 2019-02-01. Retrieved 2019-02-01.
- ^ "CFL announces 2019 team award winners". October 30, 2019.
- ^ "Edmonton signs Boateng to contract extension". CFL.ca. December 26, 2020. Retrieved December 26, 2020.
- ^ "Transactions – Football player trades and signings". Canadian Football League. Retrieved February 8, 2022.
- ^ "Redblacks ink D-Linemen Boateng & Mauldin and defensive back Ty Cranston". Ottawa Redblacks. February 8, 2022.
- ^ "Transactions – Football player trades and signings". Canadian Football League. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
- ^ "National pass rusher Boateng sign with Tiger-Cats". Hamilton Tiger-Cats. February 15, 2023.
- ^ "TICATS RELEASE NATIONAL DL KWAKU BOATENG, SIGN TWO". cfl.ca. June 13, 2023. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
- ^ "Canadian DE Kwaku Boateng retires from CFL despite 'interest' from teams". 3downnation.com. July 20, 2023. Retrieved 12 August 2024.