The Calgary Stampeders have signed former Indianapolis Colts offensive lineman Hugh Thornton.
Selected 86th overall in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Thornton spent four seasons with the Colts, starting 32 of the 37 games he played while switching between left and right guard. However, Thornton struggled with injuries late in his tenure, costing him the entire 2016 season. After briefly signing with the Atlanta Falcons, he announced his retirement from football in 2017.
Thornton came out of retirement two years later, suiting up with the Arizona Hotshots of the Alliance of American Football. He finished that season on injured reserve, but earned a contract with the Washington Football Team. Thornton was waived prior to the start of the 2019 regular season.
The 30-year-old was a four-year starter at the University of Illinois and earned second team All-Big 12 honours in 2012.
The Stampeders also signed former Ole Miss receiver Floyd Allen.
Allen famously began his college career at NAIA Bethany College, before working his way through two junior college programs. He was homeless and living out of his car when he successfully walked on at Mississippi, eventually earning a scholarship.
Allen played nine games in two seasons with the Rebels, catching four passes for 44 yards while contributing mostly on special teams. He signed as an undrafted free agent with the Houston Texans in 2019, but was released in training camp.
