Argos release ratio-breaking offensive tackle Jamal Campbell ahead of off-season bonus

Photo courtesy: Bob Butrym

The Toronto Argonauts have released national offensive tackle Jamal Campbell. Per sources, the local product was set to earn a $7,500 off-season roster bonus on Tuesday.

“This is a difficult decision. Saying goodbye to a young man who grew up in the city, was introduced to the game through our community programming and who he himself grew to be a leader and spokesperson in our community is without words,” said Argos’ general manager Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons in a statement.

“It has been said and I have often repeated, football is a great game but a terrible business. Given the direction, I am content that it was myself who communicated to Jamal and I hope I did so with the compassion, dignity and humanity he deserves.”

Campbell was a third-round selection out of York University in the 2016 CFL Draft. He developed into a ratio-breaking starter at right tackle over a number of years, dressing for 59 games and starting 20. He won a Grey Cup with the Argos in 2017.

The 28-year-old should draw plenty of interest from around the league as one of few national offensive linemen with experience starting at offensive tackle.