Many of you may remember Brandon Whitaker, the fleet-footed running back from Edmond, Oklahoma who played for the Bears from 2004-2007. Well, if you’re not a fan of Canadian professional football, Whitaker may have dropped completely off your radar screen. That’s because during the past seven years, Whitaker has been busy helping the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL) become one of the best offensive teams in their league. He is a two-time Grey Cup champion, winning back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010.  In 2011, he took over the starting backfield role from teammate and former Grey Cup MVP, Avon Cobourne, who signed a contract with CFL eastern division rivals Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

The departure of Cobourne led to immediate success for Whitaker as he went on to lead the CFL in rushing that year with 1,381 yards, including six 100 yard rushing games.  He also added 638 receiving yards to surpass 2,000 yards from scrimmage.  Since 2011, Whitaker’s production on the field has been limited due to injuries.

In June of 2015, quickly approaching the age of 30, an age when running backs tend to lose a step and often lose their jobs, Whitaker lost his job in Montreal.  However, he quickly found another home with the Toronto Argonauts, signing a short term contract that will give him a chance to re-establish himself as one of the CFL’s top running backs. Toronto sorely need help on offense, especially at the running back position, and Whitaker has proven to be the answer.  Midway through the CFL’s 20-week 2015 regular season, the Argonauts are 6-5 and Whitaker has collected 608 combined rushing and receiving yards. Currently, he leads the team in total rushing yards with 365, and he has a 5.9 yard per carry rushing average. Not bad for an aging runner.

There is still time for Whitaker and Toronto to make a run for the 2015 Grey Cup. We’ll be watching and wishing you well, Brandon. Sic ’em!