Anthony Prior facts for kids

Anthony Eugene Prior (born March 27, 1970) is a former American football player. He played as a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL) for six seasons. His NFL teams included the New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, and Oakland Raiders. Anthony was chosen by the New York Giants in the 1992 NFL draft. Before that, he played college football at Washington State University. Prior also played in the Canadian Football League (CFL) for the Calgary Stampeders and BC Lions.

Early Life and High School

Anthony Eugene Prior was born on March 27, 1970. His hometown is Lowell, Massachusetts. He went to Rubidoux High School in Riverside, California.

College Football Career

Anthony Prior played for the Washington State Cougars from 1988 to 1991. He was a key player for three years, from 1989 to 1991.

In 1989, he returned two kicks for 23 yards. He also returned one punt for 17 yards. The next year, in 1990, he returned 20 kicks for 424 yards. He even scored one touchdown, which tied a record in the Pacific-10 Conference.

During his senior year in 1991, Prior made one interception. He also returned 22 kicks for 530 yards and scored another touchdown. His one kick return touchdown was tied for the most in the country that season.

Professional Football Journey

Anthony Prior began his professional career in 1992. He was picked by the New York Giants in the ninth round of the 1992 NFL draft. He officially joined the team on July 21, 1992. However, he was released on August 25, 1992.

Playing for the New York Jets

Prior then joined the practice squad for the New York Jets on September 9, 1992. He was released later that month. He signed with the Jets again in 1993.

In 1993, he played in all 16 games for the Jets. He made four tackles and recovered one fumble. He also returned nine kicks for 126 yards. In 1994, he played in 13 games. He had four solo tackles and one assisted tackle. He also returned 16 kicks for 316 yards. In 1995, he played in 11 games and made one solo tackle. The Jets released him on March 1, 1996.

Time with Other NFL Teams

Prior signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on March 14, 1996. He was released a few months later on July 15, 1996.

He then signed with the San Francisco 49ers on July 19, 1996. But he was released again on August 20, 1996.

On December 4, 1996, Prior joined the Minnesota Vikings. He played in three games for them in 1996. He also played in one playoff game that year. After the season, he became a free agent. He re-signed with the Vikings on April 9, 1997. Prior played in 12 games during the 1997 season. He was placed on injured reserve on November 29, 1997. He was released by the Vikings on February 2, 1998.

Prior signed with the Kansas City Chiefs on April 6, 1998. He was released on August 25, 1998.

Finally, Prior signed with the Oakland Raiders on November 4, 1998. He played in four games for the Raiders in 1998. He was released on December 2, 1998.

Playing in the CFL

Anthony Prior moved to the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 2000. He started all 18 games for the Calgary Stampeders. He made 75 defensive tackles and four interceptions. He also broke up 14 passes. The Stampeders had a great year, finishing with a 12–5–1 record. They lost in the West Final to the BC Lions.

In 2001, he started all 18 games again for the Stampeders. He had 40 defensive tackles and one interception. He also forced one fumble. The Stampeders finished with an 8–10 record. However, they made it to the 89th Grey Cup on November 25, 2001. They won the championship by defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

In 2002, Prior played in 13 games for the BC Lions in the CFL. He made 32 defensive tackles and six special teams tackles. He also had one interception.

He returned to the Stampeders in 2003. He played in ten games that season. He recorded 25 defensive tackles.

Life After Football

After his football career, Anthony Prior became an author. In 2003, he released a book called Faith on 40 Yards: Behind the Silver & Gold of the NFL. In 2006, he released another book about the NFL. It was titled The Slave Side of Sunday.