Albert Awachie facts for kids
| No. 41 Saskatchewan Roughriders | |
Awachie with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2024
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| Born: | October 7, 1992 Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
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| Career information | |
| Status | Active |
| CFL status | National |
| Position(s) | Fullback |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) |
| Weight | 225 lb (102 kg) |
| University | Toronto |
| CFL Draft | 2017 / Undrafted |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 2017–2023 | Saskatchewan Roughriders |
| 2024 | Toronto Argonauts |
| 2024–present | Saskatchewan Roughriders |
| Career stats | |
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Albert Awachie (born October 7, 1992) is a Canadian professional football player. He plays as a fullback for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Before joining the pros, he played college football for the Toronto Varsity Blues.
Even though he doesn't often carry the ball, Albert is a very important player. He is known for being a strong blocker and a key member of the special teams. His coaches and teammates admire his toughness and bravery on the field.
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Early Life and Football Start
Albert Awachie was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on October 7, 1992. He is the youngest of five children. His parents, Raphael and Florence, moved to Canada from Nigeria. Their hard work taught Albert to be driven and dedicated.
When Albert was in first grade, he moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, to live with his mother. He spent his summers back in Toronto with his father. Growing up, he mostly played soccer. However, his older brother, Martin, encouraged him to try football. Albert played many different positions at Rocky Mountain High School. He even earned special awards as a defensive lineman. After finishing high school, he moved back to Toronto.
College Football Journey
Albert played CIS football for the Toronto Varsity Blues from 2013 to 2016. He started as a wide receiver and also played some defensive back. He joined the team as a walk-on, meaning he wasn't offered a scholarship at first.
During his college career, Albert played in 22 games. He caught 14 passes for 145 yards and made 22 tackles on defense. In 2015, he faced a big challenge when he dislocated his knee. This injury also tore several important ligaments. Doctors told him there was only a 50 percent chance he would play football again. After ten months of hard work and recovery, he returned for his final season. He then ranked third on his team with 13 catches for 134 yards.
Professional Football Career
Playing for the Saskatchewan Roughriders
After the 2017 CFL draft, Albert Awachie was not chosen by any team. However, he signed a deal with the Saskatchewan Roughriders on May 26, 2017. He played his first professional game on June 22, 2017, against the Montreal Alouettes.
For his first two years, Albert was a backup player behind fullback Spencer Moore. He played in 12 games but did not carry the ball. He moved between the main team and the practice squad. He also helped out on special teams when other players were injured. In December 2018, Spencer Moore was traded, which gave Albert more chances to play.
In the 2019 season, Albert took on a bigger role on special teams. He became a very reliable blocker for the Roughriders' offense. That year, the team ran for over 2,000 yards and scored 26 touchdowns, which was the best in the league. Albert made his first CFL catch in Week 2, a four-yard reception against the Ottawa Redblacks. He got his second catch in Week 16, an eight-yard pass from Cody Fajardo. This happened in Toronto, and his parents were there to watch him play.
On January 31, 2020, Albert signed a new two-year contract with the Roughriders. However, he did not play in 2020 because the 2020 CFL season was canceled. In the 2021 season, Albert played in 12 regular season games. He made five tackles on special teams and returned one kickoff for seven yards.
During the 2022 season, he played in a career-high 17 regular season games. He caught four passes for 38 yards and made eight special teams tackles. He also forced one fumble and returned one kickoff for nine yards. In his last season with the Roughriders, Albert played in 14 games. He had three catches for 24 yards, one special teams tackle, and two kickoff returns for 25 yards. His contract ended on February 13, 2024, and he became a free agent.
Time with the Toronto Argonauts
On February 13, 2024, it was announced that Albert Awachie had signed with the Toronto Argonauts. He played in seven games for his hometown team. However, he was released by the Argonauts in the middle of the season, on August 6, 2024.
Return to the Roughriders
Soon after leaving the Toronto Argonauts, Albert Awachie re-signed with the Roughriders. This happened on August 7, 2024. He was quickly added back to the team's roster for their game the very next day.
