The BC Lions Football Club announced today that 2008 CFL All-Star linebacker, Javier Glatt, has signed a contract extension with the club through the 2010 season.
"I am very excited to see Javier at training camp this year," said Lions GM and head coach Wally Buono. "I know he has been working very hard on his quickness and conditioning which will help his game tremendously."
Glatt originally joined the Lions as the club's second selection (15th overall) in the 2003 CFL Draft. In 2008, he led the club with 88 defensive tackles which ranked him in 4th spot overall in the CFL. He also recorded a pair of interceptions, six tackles for loss, one fumble recovery and two sacks.
"I am pleased to get this deal done," said Glatt. "I know from a personal standpoint I have a very large chip on my shoulder as do my teammates. This is going to be an exciting season for our club and our fans."
Javier stretched his consecutive games-played streak to 25 and did not miss a regular season game for the fourth time in his career while recording a career-high eight tackles no less than three times in 2008. In addition to leading the club in tackles on nine occasions last season, Javier also notched two interceptions at Winnipeg on July 11/08 for which he was named Defensive Player of the Week.
In addition to being a defensive starter throughout the season, Javier also added seven tackles on special teams.
Over the past three seasons, only Barrin Simpson with 251 and Kevin Eiben with 228 have more defensive tackles than Glatt's total of 225. Having now played in 99 career CFL games he sits just eight appearances away from a place in the Top 50 among all-time Lions players while recording 346 career tackles (third highest in club history), 12 sacks, seven interceptions and three fumble recoveries.
On Tuesday, March 24, The Lions came to terms with import defensive lineman Aaron Hunt, keeping him in BC until after the 2011 season.
"Aaron is a consistent performer and a big part of our defence," said Lions GM and head coach Wally Buono. "This is an important signing for the club and our fans and I believe Aaron will be an impact player for years to come."
Hunt originally joined the Lions as a free agent in 2006 and has been a West Division All-Star in all three of his CFL seasons. In 2006, the Texas-native was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Rookie and his consistent play last season resulted in his first CFL All-Star selection.
"I am very happy to get this contract done and know that I will be with the Lions for the near future," said Hunt. "We have a great nucleus of veterans on defence and Wally has added some new talent as well so we're going to be very competitive again."
Aaron has appeared in 53 games recording 28 sacks and 89 defensive tackles. His 11 sacks last season was the second-best total in the CFL and trailed only former teammate Cam Wake.
