(Ann Arbor, MI) Former Cardinal football player Takari Johnson recently signed his first professional football contract with the Calgary Stampeders. Johnson played linebacker for the Cardinals from 2011-2014 and set many school records during his historical career. Johnson holds nearly every defensive category for both season and career. His 465 total tackles, 78 tackles for a loss, and 24 sacks in a career sit atop the CUAA record books.

Defensive Coordinator, Joshua Schumacher who coached Takari for two years at Concordia is excited about his future. "We are extremly proud of Takari signing with the Calgary. He has worked extremely hard to develop his God-given abilities. Takari is a special person who always finds a way to be successful and we believe he will be able to do the same thing in the CFL."

The Calgary Stampeders are based in Calgary, Alberata, Canada and compete in the West Division of the Canadian Football League. The Stampeders are the third-oldest active franchise in the CLF with 70 seasons of football under their belt. The Stampeders have since won 8 championships, most recently in 2014. Johnson will join a team went 14-4 in 2015 and came up just short of making the championship game having lost in the Western Final.

The Canadian Football League will start with preseason games in June followed by a regular season extending through the summer and fall months. Information on the CFL (www.cfl.ca) can be found on their website as well as for the Calgary Stampeders (www.stampeders.com)

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