Raymond Fontaine
Raymond Fontaine is a former professional Canadian football linebacker. He was drafted by the Argonauts in the second round of the 2005 CFL Draft. He played college football for the Kentucky Wildcats.
 | |
| Born: | September 1, 1980[1] Ottawa, Ontario |
|---|---|
| Career information | |
| Status | Active |
| CFL status | National |
| Position(s) | LB |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) |
| Weight | 220 lb (100 kg) |
| College | Kentucky |
| CFL draft | 2005 / Round: 2 / Pick: 11 |
| Drafted by | Toronto Argonauts |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 2006–2010 | Toronto Argonauts |
| 2010 | Montreal Alouettes |
| Honours | 2006 Argonauts Rookie of the Year |
Early years
Fontaine was born on September 1, 1980,[1] in Ottawa, Ontario. For eight years he played junior football with the Myers Riders.[2]
College career
As a true freshman at Kentucky, Fontaine was redshirted.[2] In 2002, as a redshirt freshman, Fontaine played in all of Kentucky's 12 games while playing defensive end.[2] He recorded nine tackles.[2] Fontaine played in 11 games as a sophomore in 2003 recording 33 tackles.[2] He recorded a career-high six tackles against Louisville and Ohio.[2] During his junior season in 2004 at Kentucky, Fontaine played in 11 games and started three at linebacker.[2] For the second straight season he recorded 33 tackles and added one sack.[2] As a senior in 2005, he played in 11 games, recording 19 tackles.[2] Fontaine also added two blocked kicks for the first time in his career.[2]
Professional career
Toronto Argonauts
Fontaine was drafted by the Toronto Argonauts in the second round of the 2005 CFL Draft[3] but re-joined Kentucky for his senior season. He signed with Toronto on May 17, 2006.[2] As a rookie, Fontaine played in all 18 games and made appearances at special teams and linebacker.[2] He led the Argonauts and was second in the CFL in special teams tackles with 23.[2] In his debut on July 6, 2006, he dressed as the backup linebacker and made appearances on special teams.[2] He recorded his first defensive tackle in week 6, where he was in the game in third down and goal line situations.[2] Against Calgary he led all players with three tackles.[2] During the 2006 playoffs he appeared mainly on special teams, recording two tackles in the East Championship game against the Montreal Alouettes.[2] After the season, he was named the Argonauts rookie of the year.[2]
In 2007, Fontaine played in 16 of 18 games for Toronto, mainly as a backup defensive end and special teams.[2] He finished second on the team in special teams tackles with 18.[2] Although he was transferred from linebacker to defensive end during training camp he appeared at middle linebacker in place of Mike O'Shea in week 6 against Winnipeg.[2] In week 17 at Winnipeg he arguably had his best special teams game recording, a blocked punt and a forced fumble both returned for touchdowns.[2] After his performance he was named CFL Special Teams Player of the Week.[2]
Fontaine recorded his stat of 2008 in week 2 against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, getting one special teams tackle.[2] In week 6 against Saskatchewan, Fontaine recorded one big tackle in the open field, and then against Hamilton in week 7 he recorded two special teams tackles.[2] He recorded his first defensive tackle of the season in week 8.[2]
On September 1, 2010, Fontaine was released by the Argonauts.
Montreal Alouettes
Fontaine was later signed with the Montreal Alouettes during that same season, culminating in a win in the 98th Grey Cup.
References
- The Argos 2007 Media Guide lists birth date as September 1 but the CFL's 2007 Facts, Figures, and Records lists birth date as January 9.
- "#51 Raymond Fontaine". Toronto Argonauts Football Club. argonauts.ca. Archived from the original on 2009-02-27. Retrieved 2009-06-07.
- "Boatmen feel good about new additions to crew". Our Sports Central. April 28, 2005. Retrieved 2009-06-07.