Alain Kashama facts for kids
| Date of birth: | December 8, 1979 |
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| Place of birth: | Zaire |
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Career information
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| CFL status: | Non-import |
| Position(s): | DE |
| Height: | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Weight: | 270 lb (120 kg) |
| College: | Michigan |
| High school: | Bramalea Secondary School, Brampton |
| CFL Draft: | 2004 / Round: 1 / Pick: 8 |
| Drafted by: | Montreal Alouettes |
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Organizations
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Career stats
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| Playing stats at CFL.ca | |
| Playing stats at NFL.com | |
Alain Kaleta Olony T. Kashama, born on December 8, 1979, is a Canadian former professional football player. He played as a defensive end in both the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the National Football League (NFL).
Alain started his NFL journey with the Chicago Bears in 2004. He had played college football for the Michigan Wolverines. Throughout his career, Kashama also played for teams like the Seattle Seahawks, Cologne Centurions, Montreal Alouettes, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Calgary Stampeders.
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Alain Kashama's Early Life and School Years
Alain Kashama was born in Zaire. When he was a child, his family moved to Brampton, Ontario, and later to Montreal, Quebec. Because of these moves, Alain learned to speak French very well.
High School Football Star
In high school, Alain played football at Vieux Montreal. He was an amazing player, making over 200 tackles and 50 sacks. He was even ranked as the second-best high school football player in all of Canada. Besides football, Alain also played basketball and ran track.
College Days at Michigan
Alain went to the University of Michigan for college. He studied African-American studies while playing for the Wolverines football team. He played in 40 games during his college career, starting six of them. Overall, he made 48 tackles and six sacks. For his first three years, Alain was mostly a backup player. He would come into games to rush the passer or when other players were injured. By his senior year, he was expected to be a starter for the team.
Alain Kashama's Professional Football Career
After college, Alain Kashama began his professional football journey. He played for several teams in both the NFL and the CFL.
Playing for the Chicago Bears
Alain was not chosen in the 2004 NFL draft. However, the Chicago Bears signed him as an undrafted free agent on April 26, 2004. This meant they signed him even though he wasn't drafted. The Bears were excited about his potential. He played in three games for Chicago before being traded to another team.
Time with the Seattle Seahawks
After leaving the Bears, Alain joined the Seattle Seahawks. He played in one game with Seattle during the 2005 season. In 2006, he was sent to NFL Europe to play for the Cologne Centurions. The Seahawks released him from their team on July 31, 2006.
Success with the Montreal Alouettes
The Montreal Alouettes in the CFL had drafted Alain in the 2004 CFL Draft. But he chose to play in the NFL first. In 2007, Alain became a key player for Montreal. He led the team in sacks with eight. He also made 29 tackles for the Alouettes.
Moving to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats
On September 10, 2008, Alain was traded to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He played well for Hamilton, recording five tackles and one sack.
Joining the Calgary Stampeders
Alain Kashama signed with the Calgary Stampeders on February 24, 2009.
Alain Kashama's Family Life
Alain Kashama comes from a family of talented football players. His brother, Fernand, played with him on the Calgary Stampeders. Another brother, Hakeem, also played professional football for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Alain's cousin, Tim Biakabutuka, was a running back for the Carolina Panthers. Alain has said that his cousin inspired him to play football. He started playing after Tim was drafted in 1996. Alain's teammates even gave him the nickname "Sackmaster" because of his skill at sacking quarterbacks!
