Stampeders sign former Sooners’ cornerback, NFL journeyman Parnell Motley

Photo courtesy: AP Photo/Gary McCullough

The Calgary Stampeders have signed American defensive back Parnell Motley to their practice roster, providing much-needed depth to an ailing rotation in the secondary.

The six-foot, 184-pound defender played four seasons at the University of Oklahoma and was a first-team All-Big 12 honoured as a senior. That year, he led the Sooners with five forced fumbles and 13 pass breakups.

In 55 collegiate games, Motley amassed 176 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, six interceptions, six forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and a defensive touchdown. He also managed 33 career pass breakups — good enough for fifth in school history.

After going unselected in the 2020 NFL Draft, Motley signed as an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and initially made the team’s active roster. He has since had stops with the San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, and Cleveland Browns, playing in five NFL games has five games. He has recorded eight total tackles, one fumble recovery and one pass defended in those outings.

The Stampeders (9-5) are next scheduled to host the Toronto Argonauts (8-5) on Saturday, October 1 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.