Sept. 8, 2008
NORMAL, Ill. -
Former Illinois State offensive lineman Brandon Joyce became the latest Redbird playing professional football Monday, after signing with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL).
"I'm happy to be in Toronto," said Joyce. "I've been working out, hoping something else would come along and I'm just really glad to be back on the football field again."
Joyce, who had a tryout with the Minnesota Vikings in April, participated in his first practice Monday afternoon and will be a member of the practice squad, while he gets acclimated to the offensive system. He'll also have to get used the CFL game, which features a larger field and only three offensive downs.
"The most surprising thing (about the CFL field) is the end zones and how big they are. I'm just glad I'm not a defensive back," said Joyce. "As far as throwing the ball a lot, I like that and we have a lot of weapons on offense."
The St. Charles, Mo., native spent two years at Illinois State, after transferring from Indiana. He started his last 22 games for the Redbirds at right tackle and played in all 23 games during his Redbird career. He was named to the 2006 Missouri Valley Football Conference All-Newcomer Team.
Joyce joins Kevin Glenn (Winnipeg) and Cameron Siskowic (Hamilton) in the CFL. Siskowic is also currently on the practice roster for the Tiger-Cats.
