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February 19, 2009

Argos Acquire Zeke Moreno From Blue Bombers

Mississauga – The Toronto Argonauts continue to reload this off-season by acquiring two-time CFL All-Star linebacker Zeke Moreno, along with Winnipeg’s best sixth round selection in the upcoming CFL Canadian Draft. In exchange, the Boatmen have sent non-import DE Riall Johnson to the Blue Bombers.

Commented Argonauts GM/Vice President, Football Operations, Adam Rita, “I feel very fortunate that we were able to get a player of Zeke Moreno’s toughness, grit and aggressiveness. He has strong leadership skills, both on the field and in the locker room. Zeke is a proven player who had led the league in tackles for two seasons. We expect him to do the same with the Argos and be an anchor for our defence.”

Moreno, who first joined the CFL as a member of the Ticats in 2007, is a proven CFL starter who has twice been named a CFL and East Division All-Star. He earned the nickname ‘Zeke and Destroy’ for his tenacious on-field pursuit and reliability as a tackler. As a rookie in 2007, he set the Tiger-Cats team record and led the CFL with 114 defensive tackles. He was traded to Winnipeg mid-way through the 2008 season and still finished the year as the CFL’s top tackler with 97 defensive stops.

Remarked Moreno on coming to Toronto, “Believe it or not, my goal is not to play for every CFL team, although I’m almost halfway there – I plan to finish my career as an Argonaut. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. I’m blessed to be able to play this game that I love so much. I plan to bring all of the hard work and intensity I’ve shown throughout my career. Get ready Toronto – I’m so glad to be on board when we turn this thing around.”

Moreno originally signed as a free agent with Hamilton in 2007 and was traded to Winnipeg, in exchange for the rights to non-import DT Cory Mace and a first round pick in the 2009 CFL Canadian Draft, after CFL week 10. He started at middle linebacker in the final eight regular season games and East Semi-Final for the Bombers. He was a three-year starter and team MVP as a senior for the formidable USC Trojans football programme. He also played four years in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers after being drafted by the club in the fifth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. Moreno started 12 games in 2003 for San Diego at linebacker.