Super Mario: Alouettes sign explosive returner Alford to contract extension for 2022

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

The Montreal Alouettes have signed American receiver and returner Mario Alford to a one-year contract extension through the 2022 season. 

The five-foot-eight, 177-pound Alford made his presence felt with the Als in 2021 even if he played only five games. The 29-year-old amassed 647 combined yards on the season, including 320 on 16 kick-off returns and scored one touchdown on an 86-yard punt return. He averaged a CFL-high 15.8 yards per punt return.

“Mario is an electrifying player who adds a whole new dimension to our team when he is in uniform,” said Alouettes general manager Danny Maciocia. “He was injured during last season and we missed him. We are confident that he will be back and play at a high level and greatly help us next season.”

In 2019, he made quite the impression upon his arrival with the Alouettes, as he scored two touchdowns in his first two outings. He continued being impressive in the playoffs, as he scored a touchdown on a 99-yard kickoff return, the third longest kickoff return touchdown in CFL playoff history. Alford suited up for the Toronto Argonauts in 2018.

Alford was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2015 NFL Draft with who he registered one catch for 15 yards. He also spent time with the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears. The Greenville, GA native previously played collegiately for the West Virginia University Mountaineers.