The Toronto Argonauts continued to make moves on Tuesday, signing Kenneth Dixons and extending the contract of Kurleigh Gittens Jr.
Dixon was a fourth-round draft pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2016. He was a star at Louisiana Tech, having rushed for 4,483 yards and 72 touchdowns on 802 carries over four seasons with the team. He also made 87 receptions for 969 yards and 15 scores, bringing his touchdown total to 97.
The five-foot-ten, 228-pound ball carrier spent three seasons with the Ravens, recording 148 carries for 715 yards and four touchdowns. He also caught 36 passes for 213 yards and one score.
Waived by the Ravens following an injury in September 2019, Dixon joined the New York Jets three months later. He was released partway through training camp in August 2020.
He was suspended for four games in 2017 after violating the league’s policy on performance enhancing drugs.
“I want to apologize to the Ravens organization, my coaches, teammates and fans,” Dixon said in a statement. “Being an NFL player is a privilege that comes with many responsibilities, including knowing the contents of any and all foods and supplements put in your body.
“I mistakenly took a substance without the proper NFL medical exemption, and while it was unintentional, I accept full responsibility for my actions and their consequences. I am truly sorry for the mistake I made and the distraction it causes. Moving forward, I remain committed to focusing on my offseason training, conditioning and game preparation so I can be an immediate impact player for the Ravens when my suspension is over.”
Gittens Jr. was a third-round selection in the 2019 CFL Draft who recorded one reception for 13 yards as a rookie. He is one of the most prolific receivers in the history of the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks, making 200 catches for 2,656 yards and 15 touchdowns.
