Music: {allcanada} STAMPEDERS RE-SIGN LINEBACKER SIMPSON

Monday, December 6, 2010

{allcanada} STAMPEDERS RE-SIGN LINEBACKER SIMPSON

CALGARY -- The Calgary Stampeders have re-signed Juwan Simpson, keeping in place the linebacker coach and general manager John Hufnagel described as a "cornerstone" Monday.

Simpson, a CFL all-star in 2010 and the West Division finalist for the outstanding defensive player honours, established career-highs with 71 tackles, seven sacks, 17 special-teams tackles and one interception.

The 26-year-old from Decatur, Ala., added four knockdowns, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries and two tackles for a loss.

"After being utilized at different positions in his first two years with our team, Juwan really solidified himself at middle linebacker this past season and his play became the cornerstone of our defence," Hufnagel said in a statement.

"We look forward to seeing him build on a great 2010 season."

Simpson has been with the Stampeders for three seasons, splitting time the previous two years between the defensive line and linebacker.

He helped the Stampeders finish with a league-best 13-5 record.

"I think we have a recipe here to do some great things and I'm just happy to be a part of it," Simpson said in a statement. "Overall, Calgary is a great fit for me and I'm already looking forward to next season."