The Toronto Argonauts announced Thursday that the football club has signed seven-year-old National running back Darius Raso to a one-day contract. Raso will attend team meetings in the morning to get acquainted with his new teammates before taking part in his first Double Blue practice in the afternoon at Lamport Stadium. Monday, September 1st will then see Raso play in his first Labour Day Classic vs the rival Hamilton Tiger-Cats from Tim Hortons Field.
“We are thrilled to add a player of Raso’s stature to our roster,” said Argonauts General Manager Jim Popp. “Raso’s determination, strength and love for football and the Toronto Argonauts are an inspiration to us all and we know he will be a tremendous asset both in the locker room and on the field.”
The running back has been suffering from acute lymphocytic leukemia for a year now, undergoing chemotherapy regularly and as recently as last week. Raso’s love for football and the Toronto Argonauts has been instrumental during his fight with cancer. The Kleinburg, Ontario native attended the Argos game on August 1st, a win over the league-leading Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and has been following the team very closely, a welcome distraction from treatments. Raso is excited to get to work with his new team and make an immediate impact.
DARIUS RASO #7
Position: Running Back
Height: 4’0
Weight: 50 lbs
Birthdate: July 5, 2012
Birth Place: Kleinburg, Ontario
Nationality: Canadian
Acquired: Signed a one-day contract with Toronto on Thursday, August 28, 2019