Odell Willis

Last updated

Odell Willis
2019, 11, Odell Willis.jpg
Willis before a Lions game in 2019
Born: (1984-12-28) December 28, 1984 (age 39)
Meridian, Mississippi, U.S.
Career information
CFL status American
Position(s) Defensive end
Height6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight255 lb (116 kg)
College West Georgia
NFL draft 2008, undrafted
Career history
As player
2007 Spokane Shock
2008 Huntington Heroes
2008 Peoria Pirates
2008 Green Bay Blizzard
2009 Calgary Stampeders
2009–2011 Winnipeg Blue Bombers
2012 Saskatchewan Roughriders
2013–2017 Edmonton Eskimos
2018 Ottawa Redblacks*
2018–2019 BC Lions
2021 Toronto Argonauts*
Career highlights and awards
CFL All-Star 2011, 2014
CFL East All-Star 2011
CFL West All-Star 2014
Career stats
Tackles263
Sacks101
Forced fumbles24

Odell Willis (born December 28, 1984), nicknamed "the Mayor of Swaggerville", is a professional Canadian football defensive end who is a free agent. He was most recently a member of the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was signed by the Spokane Shock as a free agent in 2007. He played college football for the West Georgia Wolves. Willis has also played for the Huntington Heroes, Peoria Pirates, Green Bay Blizzard, Calgary Stampeders, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Edmonton Eskimos, and BC Lions.

Contents

College career

Willis played four seasons for the University of West Georgia and totaled 126 tackles, 20.5 sacks and six forced fumbles for the Wolves. He was twice named an All-Gulf South Conference selection.

Professional career

af2 and AIFA

Willis was assigned to the Spokane Shock of the af2 on July 19, 2007. [1] He signed with the Huntington Heroes of the American Indoor Football Association in January 2008 and played for the team during the 2008 season. [2] [3] He played for the Peoria Pirates of the af2 later in 2008. In July 2008, he was traded to the Green Bay Blizzard. [4]

Calgary Stampeders

In 2009, Willis signed with the Calgary Stampeders where he recorded six sacks in his first nine games.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers

He was then traded to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in a package trade, [5] where he recorded another four sacks with the Blue Bombers. In his 2010 campaign, Willis started all 18 games and recorded 11 sacks. During the 2011 CFL season, Willis started all 18 games for the second consecutive year and set a new career high with 13 sacks. His performance earned him his first CFL East Division All-Star nod and recognition on his first CFL All-Star team a short while later. [6] [7]

Willis rushing the QB in 2012. Odell Willis on 23 September 2012.jpg
Willis rushing the QB in 2012.

Saskatchewan Roughriders

On March 22, 2012, Willis was traded to the Saskatchewan Roughriders for second and fourth round picks in the 2012 CFL Draft. [8] Willis recorded 6 sacks in the 2012 CFL season.

Edmonton Eskimos

After not being re-signed following one season with the Roughriders, Willis signed a three-year contract with the Edmonton Eskimos on February 15, 2013 (The first day of CFL free-agency). In his first season with the Eskimos Willis played in 13 of the 18 regular season games. He would finish the season with 22 tackles, 9 quarterback sacks and 1 fumble recovery. Willis' play improved again the following season, earning himself his second CFL All-Star award and his first CFL West All-Star award. His 13 sacks put him tied for 2nd place for most sacks on the season; he also had 32 tackles, 2 interceptions (one for a touchdown) and a fumble recovery. Following the 2014 CFL season, Willis re-signed with the Eskimos. [9]

Ottawa Redblacks

On February 2, 2018, Willis was traded to the Ottawa Redblacks for fellow defensive lineman, Jake Ceresna. His tenure with the Redblacks lasted 17 minutes. [10]

BC Lions

Shortly after he was traded to the Redblacks, Willis was again traded on February 2, 2018 back to the West Division to the BC Lions for a fourth-round pick in the 2018 CFL Draft and a negotiation list player. [11] Willis continued to perform as a pass rushing threat, recording 11 sacks over the season, a personal best since the 2014 season. Following the season Willis re-signed with the Lions for the 2019 CFL season. [12] In 2019, Willis was switched to defensive tackle mid-season, contributing to lower than usual production of four sacks on the year, but he still managed to pass the milestone of 100 career sacks. He became a free agent in 2020, but did not play due to the cancellation of the 2020 CFL season.

Toronto Argonauts

On February 12, 2021, it was announced that Willis had signed with the Toronto Argonauts. [13] He was placed on the suspended list on July 20, 2021. [14] He began the season on the suspended list before moving to the practice roster in week 2 of the regular season, but was released on August 17, 2021. [15]

Related Research Articles

The 2006 CFL season is considered to be the 53rd season in modern-day Canadian football, although it is officially the 49th Canadian Football League season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">78th Grey Cup</span> 1990 Canadian Football championship game

The 78th Grey Cup was the 1990 Canadian Football League championship game played between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Edmonton Eskimos at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Blue Bombers defeated the Eskimos, 50–11.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Corey Mace</span> Canadian gridiron football player and coach (born 1985)

Corey Mace is a Canadian professional football coach and former player who is the head coach for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played as a defensive tackle in the CFL and National Football League (NFL). Mace played college football for the Wyoming Cowboys. He was signed by the NFL's Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keith Shologan</span> Canadian gridiron football player (born 1985)

Keith Shologan is a Canadian former professional football defensive tackle in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football for the UCF Knights. Shologan was a member of the San Diego Chargers, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Ottawa Redblacks, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and Montreal Alouettes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cory Greenwood</span> Canadian gridiron football player (born 1985)

Cory James Greenwood is a former Canadian professional football linebacker. He is a Grey Cup champion, having won the 106th Grey Cup with the Stampeders. He played college football for the Concordia Stingers from 2006 to 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Henoc Muamba</span> Congolese-Canadian gridiron football player (born 1989)

Henoc Muamba is a Congolese-Canadian former professional football linebacker who played in both the Canadian Football League (CFL) and National Football League (NFL). He was a two-time CFL All-Star, three-time CFL Divisional All-Star, and was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Canadian in 2017. In 2022, he won the Grey Cup with the Toronto Argonauts and was named the game's most valuable player (MVP) and Grey Cup Most Valuable Canadian, becoming the second player in history to earn both awards. He was also a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Indianapolis Colts, Montreal Alouettes, Dallas Cowboys, and Saskatchewan Roughriders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matt Nichols</span> American football player (born 1987)

Matt Nichols is an American former professional Canadian football quarterback. He last played for the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Nichols played college football at Eastern Washington. He has also been a member of the Dallas Cowboys, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Edmonton Eskimos, and Toronto Argonauts. He officially retired in July of 2022.

The 2014 CFL season was the 61st season of modern-day Canadian football. It was the 57th Canadian Football League season. Vancouver hosted the 102nd Grey Cup on November 30. The league expanded to nine teams with the addition of the Ottawa Redblacks, giving the CFL nine teams for the first time since the 2005 season. As a result of the expansion, the schedule shifted to a 20-week regular season plus three weeks of playoffs ; the season started on June 26, 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Willie Jefferson</span> American gridiron football player (born 1991)

Willie Hebert Jefferson III is an American professional football defensive end for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Jefferson is a three-time Grey Cup champion, winning with the Edmonton Eskimos in 2015 and twice more with the Blue Bombers in 2019 and 2021. He was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2019 with the Bombers, and is a five-time CFL All-Star and six-time CFL West All-Star. He has also been a member of the Houston Texans, Buffalo Bills, Washington Redskins, and Saskatchewan Roughriders. Jefferson played college football for the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks and the Baylor Bears.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shawn Lemon</span> American gridiron football player (born 1988)

Shawn Lemon is an American professional football defensive lineman for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Akron. He has been a member of eight CFL teams, three indoor football teams and two NFL teams.

The 2016 CFL season was the 63rd season of modern-day Canadian football. Officially, it was the 59th Canadian Football League season. Toronto hosted the 104th Grey Cup on November 27. The regular season began on June 23 and ended on November 5.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ricky Collins</span> American gridiron football player (born 1992)

Ricky Collins Jr. is a Canadian football wide receiver in the Canadian Football League (CFL) who is currently a free agent. He played college football at Kilgore College, Midwestern State University, and Texas A&M University–Commerce. He was a member of the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL), as well as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, BC Lions, and Toronto Argonauts of the CFL.

The 2017 CFL season was the 64th season of modern-day Canadian football. Officially, it was the 60th season of the Canadian Football League. The regular season began on June 22 and concluded on November 4. The playoffs commenced on November 12 and concluded on November 26 with the Toronto Argonauts defeating the Calgary Stampeders to win the 105th Grey Cup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 CFL season</span> Canadian Football League season

The 2018 CFL season was the 65th season of modern-day Canadian football. Officially, it was the 61st Canadian Football League season. Edmonton hosted the 106th Grey Cup on November 25, 2018. The CFL announced that this season will move to a 21-week regular season to increase player rest time and reduce short turnaround-times for games. Given the change, the regular season began on June 14, 2018, one week earlier than usual, and concluded on November 3, 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Antonio Pipkin</span> American gridiron football player (born 1995)

Antonio Pipkin is an American professional Canadian football quarterback who is a free agent. He most recently played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Tiffin. Pipkin has also been a member of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL), and the Montreal Alouettes, Edmonton Football Team, Toronto Argonauts, BC Lions, and Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jordan Herdman-Reed</span> Canadian gridiron football player (born 1994)

Jordan Herdman-Reed is a Canadian professional football linebacker for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football with the Simon Fraser Clan. His twin brother Justin Herdman-Reed also plays in the CFL.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Khalil Bass</span> American gridiron football player (born 1990)

Khalil Bass is a former gridiron football linebacker. He was previously a player in the Canadian Football League, where he made his debut with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2015, and also played for the Ottawa Redblacks and Toronto Argonauts where he won the 105th Grey Cup. He also played for the Atlanta Legends of the Alliance of American Football (AAF).

Eric Lofton is an American professional football offensive lineman for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Temple.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brandon Calver</span> Canadian gridiron football player (born 1993)

Brandon Calver is a Canadian professional football fullback for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Folarin Orimolade</span> American gridiron football player (born 1995)

Adefolarin Adebayo Orimolade is an American professional football defensive lineman for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

References

  1. ↑ "DL Willis joins Shock". khq.com. July 19, 2007. Archived from the original on August 6, 2017. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
  2. ↑ "HUNTINGTON HEROES SIGN FIVE MORE". oursportscentral.com. January 23, 2008. Archived from the original on August 6, 2017. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
  3. ↑ Walsh, David (April 18, 2008). "Heroes seek first win over Canton". herald-dispatch.com. Archived from the original on June 8, 2022. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
  4. ↑ Eminian, Dave (July 11, 2008). "Pirates complete Blitz trade". pjstar.com. Archived from the original on August 6, 2017. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
  5. ↑ "Bombers swing another deal". September 21, 2009. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
  6. ↑ Adam Wazny (November 10, 2011). "Eight Bombers named to East Division All-Star Team". Winnipeg Free Press .
  7. ↑ Paul Wiecek (November 16, 2011). "Five Bombers chosen as CFL all-stars". Winnipeg Free Press.
  8. ↑ Riders Acquire All-Star Odell Willis From Winnipeg
  9. ↑ "Veteran DE Willis re-signs with Eskimos". TSN. The Canadian Press. January 30, 2015.
  10. ↑ "Recapping a frantic Friday in the CFL offseason". cfl.ca. CFL. February 2, 2018. Retrieved February 2, 2018.
  11. ↑ "Lions acquire Willis after trade from Esks to Redblacks". cfl.ca. CFL. February 2, 2018. Retrieved February 2, 2018.
  12. ↑ "Willis returning to Lions next season - TSN.ca". TSN. November 28, 2018. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
  13. ↑ "Argos make flurry of moves including adding Veteran DL Odell Willis". Toronto Argonauts. February 12, 2021.
  14. ↑ "Argos Transactions – July 20 2021". Argonauts.ca. July 20, 2021. Retrieved July 20, 2021.
  15. ↑ "Transactions – Football player trades and signings". Canadian Football League . Retrieved August 17, 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.