STAMPEDERS RE-SIGN MESSAM

Calgary Stampeders general manager John Hufnagel is pleased to announce the re-signing of national running back Jerome Messam.

Messam was scheduled to become a free agent Tuesday.

The 30-year-old Toronto product joined the Stampeders in an Oct. 14, 2015, trade with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and he appeared in two regular-season games for Calgary, registering 180 rushing yards – including 121 in his debut for the Red and White – and adding six receptions for 33 yards. In 17 combined games for the Stampeders and Roughriders, he rushed for 1,006 yards and two touchdowns and made 53 catches for 497 yards while earning West Division all-star honours.

Messam also started both of Calgary’s playoff games and amassed 122 rushing yards and a touchdown and eight catches for 126 yards.

“Jerome is a very good football player who fit in very well with the Stampeders after we traded for him last year,” said Hufnagel. “I believe this is a mutually beneficial situation for both the player and the team and I’m pleased that Jerome has chosen to continue his career with the Stampeders.”

In 90 career games for BC, Edmonton, Montreal, Sasktchewan and Calgary, Messam has 3,270 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns as well as 132 catches for 1,329 yards.

“I’m happy to get the deal done and not have to worry about free agency,” said Messam. “I’m excited to be back in Calgary.”