Griggs to Play Pro Ball in Calgary
William Penn University Football Freddy Griggs takes off up field against the Bethel Wildcats.
Former Statesmen gridiron star Freddy Griggs will continue his football career at the next level, joining one of the most successful franchises north of the border.
Griggs, who concluded his William Penn career last fall, signed a two-year contract with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League.
The Tallahassee, Fla. native actually inked at the same time as his friend and former James S. Richards High School teammate Brandon Denmark. Denmark played college ball at NCAA FCS Florida A&M.
“Calgary contacted my agent and he told them they were actually signing my friend,” Griggs said. “Fortunately they thought a lot of both of us, so they chose to go ahead and sign us together.”
In two seasons in the navy and gold, Griggs tallied 81 tackles (2.5 for loss) with two interceptions, eight pass breakups, three fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble. He was a second-team all-Midwest League selection as a senior and also garnered First-Team All-America laurels from USA Football.
Griggs, who will report to training camp on May 27 (CFL season begins in June), is expected to play one of the defensive back positions for Calgary. The Stampeders are the defending Grey Cup (CFL’s title game) champions and have been the league’s best team seven times in their history.
“I am very happy to have this opportunity and plan to make the most of it,” Griggs said. “I want to make everyone proud.”
The Statesmen have had great success of recent players signing pro contracts, most notably Damon Harrison with the New York Jets and Nick DiMarco with the Baltimore Ravens. Head Coach Todd Hafner believes Griggs will add to the strong presence of Statesmen at the next level.
“We are extremely excited for the opportunity Freddy has to compete in the CFL,” Hafner said. “He did an outstanding job for us and we know he will work extremely hard to get the chance to play for the Stampeders. We wish him nothing but the best of luck representing himself and William Penn University!!”
For more information on the Calgary Stampeders, go to http://www.stampeders.com/main/index
For more information on the Canadian Football League, go to http://www.cfl.ca/
