Michael Wakefield

Michael Wakefield
refer to caption
Wakefield with the Ottawa Redblacks in 2023
No. 96 – Ottawa Redblacks
Position:Defensive lineman
Personal information
Born: (1994-01-12) January 12, 1994 (age 30)
Valdosta, Georgia, U.S.
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:285 lb (129 kg)
Career information
High school:Valdosta High School
College:Florida International
Undrafted:2016
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career CFL statistics as of Week 16, 2024
Total tackles:154
Sacks:27
Forced fumbles:3
Interceptions:1

Michael Wakefield (born January 12, 1994) is an American professional football defensive lineman for the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

University career

[edit]

Wakefield played college football for the FIU Panthers from 2012 to 2015.[1]

Professional career

[edit]

Washington Redskins

[edit]

After not being selected in the 2016 NFL draft, Wakefield signed with the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2016, but was among the final training camp cuts in September 2016.[2]

Ottawa Redblacks (first stint)

[edit]
Wakefield with the Montreal Alouettesin 2022

On June 12, 2017, Wakefield signed with the Ottawa Redblacks.[3] He played in his first professional game on August 31, 2017, against the Montreal Alouettes where he recorded one defensive tackle.[4] That year, he played in six regular season games where he had four defensive tackles.[4]

In 2018, Wakefield played in 17 regular season games where he had 18 defensive tackles and three sacks.[4] He also played in his first career post-season games, in the East Final and the 106th Grey Cup.[4] However, he did not record any statistics in the championship game as the Redblacks lost to the Calgary Stampeders.[4] He re-signed with the Redblacks to a one-year extension on December 14, 2018.[5] He had 32 defensive tackles, four sacks, and one interception in 16 games in 2019 as the Redblacks missed the post-season.[4]

Wakefield re-signed with the Redblacks on January 20, 2020, but did not play that year due to the cancellation of the 2020 CFL season.[6] He became a free agent upon the expiry of his contract on February 9, 2021.[7]

Montreal Alouettes

[edit]

On February 9, 2021, it was announced that Wakefield had signed with the Montreal Alouettes.[8] He played in 12 regular season games where he had 23 defensive tackles and four sacks.[4] In 2022, he played in 14 regular season games where he recorded 20 defensive tackles and three sacks.[4] His contract expired on February 14, 2022.[9]

Ottawa Redblacks (second stint)

[edit]

On February 14, 2023, Wakefield signed with the Redblacks.[9]

Personal life

[edit]

Wakefield was born to parents James and Alfrenett Wakefield.[1] He has four siblings, Lakeshia, Akeem, Jamie, and Jeremy. Wakefield is married to Kelaysha Wakefield.[1]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "Michael Wakefield". FIU Panthers. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
  2. ^ "Wakefield sets sights on adding grit, drive to Alouettes' defensive line". Montreal Gazette. July 28, 2021.
  3. ^ "Transactions | June 12, 2017". Ottawa Redblacks. June 12, 2017. Retrieved June 12, 2017.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h "Michael Wakefield". Canadian Football League. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
  5. ^ "Redblacks re-sign Tindal, Wakefield, bring back Deloatch". Ottawa Redblacks. December 14, 2018.
  6. ^ "Redblacks re-sign three defensive linemen". Ottawa Redblacks. January 20, 2020. Retrieved January 20, 2020.
  7. ^ "Transactions – Football player trades and signings". Canadian Football League. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
  8. ^ "Sewell, Ackie, Levels and other big names at defence!". Montreal Alouettes. February 9, 2021.
  9. ^ a b "Transactions – Football player trades and signings". Canadian Football League. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
[edit]