March 2, 2016

Argos add former All-Star DL Justin Hickman

Aug 9, 2015; Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Hamilton Tiger-Cats defeat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers38-8 at Tim Hortons Field. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski

The Toronto Argonauts announced today that the team has signed international defensive lineman Justin Hickman.

Hickman, a 6-2, 265-pound native of El Paso, Texas comes to Toronto after spending a total of five CFL seasons (2009-11& 2014-15) with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The 30-year-old spent two seasons (2012-13) with the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts before returning to the CFL for his second stint with the Ticats in 2014.

“Justin is a great addition to our defensive line and locker room. He’s a proven player in our League and continues to perform at a high level year after year,” said Argonauts General Manager Jim Barker.

“He is defensively sound with a knack for getting to the quarterback.”

Entering his sixth CFL season, the former UCLA Bruin has compiled 181 defensive tackles, 36 quarterback sacks, six tackles for a loss, seven forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 79 games. The 2011 CFL and East Division All-Star led Ticats with eight sacks and ranked second among Ticats defensive lineman in tackles (28).

“Firstly, I would like to thank Jim Barker and the Toronto Argonauts for allowing me to be a part of such a special year for the club.

“I’m definitely excited about the opportunity to play for a great organization and in front of great fans. I’m looking forward to the experience that BMO Field will present come June.

“I’m excited to get to work and start our journey beginning at training camp in May.”
Justin Hickman tweet 2

 

Argos fans were quick to show their excitement about the signing, that brings the total to five defensive veteran players the Boatmen have signed during CFL Free Agency.

 

 

The Argonauts also announced today that the team has signed international linebacker Jean Fanor.

Fanor, a 6-1, 200-pound native of Miami, Florida, signs with the Argonauts after stints with NFL’s Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs, and the Arena Football League’s Tampa Bay Storm over the last four seasons. In 35 games in two seasons with Storm, he registered 195 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and 15 pass breakups. The product of Bethune-Cookman set the Storm single-season record for tackles with 128.5 in 2014.