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Anthony Orange
refer to caption
Orange in the 2014 preseason.
No. 20, 24, 26
Position: Cornerback
Personal information
Born: (1988-04-04) April 4, 1988 (age 37)
Bakersfield, California, U.S.
Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight: 190 lb (86 kg)
Career information
High school: West (Bakersfield, California)
College: Fresno State (2006–2009)
Undrafted: 2010
Career history
Career highlights and awards
  • CFL All-Star (2018)
  • CFL West All-Star (2018)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 109
Fumble recoveries: 2
Pass deflections: 19
Interceptions: 2
Career CFL statistics
Total tackles: 149
Interceptions: 11
Defensive touchdowns: 2
Player stats at CFL.ca

Anthony Orange, who was also known as A. J. Jefferson, is a former professional Canadian football player. He was born on April 4, 1988. He played as a cornerback, which is a defensive position in football. Before becoming a professional, he played college football at Fresno State. He joined the Arizona Cardinals in 2010 as an undrafted free agent, meaning he wasn't chosen in the main draft but was signed afterward.

Early Life and College Football

Anthony Orange grew up in Bakersfield, California. He finished high school at West High School in 2006. He started playing football when he was young. In high school, he played both wide receiver (an offensive position) and defensive back (a defensive position). He was recognized as a top defensive back in his area.

After high school, Orange went to California State University, Fresno. He played for the Fresno State Bulldogs football team for four seasons, from 2006 to 2009.

Professional Football Journey

Before the 2010 NFL Draft, experts thought Orange would be picked in the 4th or 5th round. He was known for his speed and jumping ability.

Playing in the NFL

Arizona Cardinals

On April 27, 2010, Anthony Orange signed with the Arizona Cardinals. He was one of ten players the Cardinals signed who were not chosen in the NFL Draft.

Minnesota Vikings

AJ Jefferson 2012
Orange playing in 2012.

The Minnesota Vikings traded for Orange on August 31, 2012. They gave the Cardinals a 6th round draft pick in 2013 in exchange for Orange and a 7th round pick.

Seattle Seahawks

Orange joined the Seattle Seahawks on May 2, 2014. However, he was placed on injured reserve later that year, which meant he couldn't play due to an injury.

Playing in the CFL

Toronto Argonauts

Orange then moved to the Canadian Football League (CFL). He signed with the Toronto Argonauts on May 26, 2015. Over two seasons with the Argonauts, he played in 30 games. He made 91 tackles, caught 6 interceptions, and scored 2 touchdowns. One of his touchdowns was from returning a punt! After the 2016 season, he became a free agent.

Ottawa Redblacks

On February 14, 2017, Orange signed with the Ottawa Redblacks in the CFL. But he was released by the team after playing only 3 games in the 2017 season.

Saskatchewan Roughriders

Orange then signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders on July 18, 2017. He was released again without playing any games for them on September 11, 2017.

Edmonton Eskimos (First Time)

Due to many injuries on their defense, the Edmonton Eskimos signed Orange on September 13, 2017.

BC Lions

Orange signed a one-year contract with the BC Lions on February 13, 2018. The team had a tough start to the season. Orange also had a penalty that contributed to a loss. But he improved his play a lot, getting his highest number of tackles and 5 interceptions. The Lions finished the season strong and made the playoffs. Orange was recognized as an All-Star in his division and across the league.

Edmonton Eskimos (Second Time)

After becoming a free agent again, Orange returned to play for the Edmonton Eskimos for the 2019 season. He was released by the team on February 1, 2020.

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