North Bay's Ryan Hunter has returned to Canada and is now a member of the Toronto Argonauts.
The Algonquin Barons alum signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in October 2020 and had been on the team’s practice roster ever since. The squad released Hunter in late August.
He has dressed for three career NFL games, and aside from his time with the Chargers, he spent two seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs winning a Super Bowl in early 2020.
Hunter was the Argos' first-round pick, ninth overall, in the 2018 CFL Draft.
The CFL club took a chance on selecting him, knowing he had NFL aspirations after playing college football at Bowling Green University.
See related: Ryan Hunter sent to Chargers practice squad
Hunter, an offensive lineman, arrived in Toronto Thursday afternoon.
“For him to be able to live out his dream that every young kid has playing football, you’re happy for him,” said Vince Magri, Argos Assistant General Manager.
"When the opportunity does come around to potentially bring him to the CFL and add him to your organization, that’s definitely a big plus.”
Magri says the 6'3", 315-pound lineman should bring a lot to the 8-5 Argos offensive line.
“The first thing that jumps to mind is his versatility," said Magri.
"He’s a guy that’s played guard, left tackle and right tackle at Bowling Green against high-level competition; then playing in the NFL as a guard and centre. He’s a valuable Canadian offensive lineman who can legitimately play all five spots across the line. Not only that, but he’s a great kid. He’s tough, he’s smart, he loves the game, he’s physical and he’ll get after people. He fits what we’re trying to build here.”
With files from Argonauts.ca
