10 People You Didn’t Know Played in the CFL
#4 – Cameron Wake
Considering how far they have fallen since winning the Super Bowl in 2012, the New York Giants might want a do-over on Wake. Signed as an undrafted free agent linebacker out of Penn State in April 2005, he was cut two months later. He signed with the BC Lions in 2007, switched to defensive end and became an instant star. He went on to lead the CFL in sacks for two seasons and was named Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2008. This led to a bidding war for his services, with Miami winning the sweepstakes in 2009. Since then, Wake has been a beast at linebacker and defensive end, racking up 51.5 sacks in 62 games. He has been to three Pro Bowls and was a First Team All-Pro in 2012.
#3 – Jesse Palmer
Technically, Palmer didn’t play in the CFL, but his story sure is juicy. While he was only a member of the Montreal Alouettes and Ottawa Renegades practice squads, Ottawa native Palmer did start three games for the New York Giants in 2003 after a decent career at the University of Florida. He created a stir in the CFL when his agent asked for a three-year, $2 million contract to sign with Ottawa, which was deemed too rich for the frugal CFL. Palmer never hit his stride as a quarterback, but the pretty boy hit pay dirt as ‘The Bachelor’, which has turned into a lucrative broadcasting career. He forms a team with Brent Musburger on the SEC Network after many years with ESPN and Canada’s TSN.
