Anthony Prior facts for kids

Anthony Eugene Prior, born on March 27, 1970, is a former American professional football player. He was a cornerback, a position in football. Anthony played for six seasons in the National Football League (NFL). His NFL teams included the New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, and Oakland Raiders.

He was chosen by the New York Giants in the 1992 NFL draft. Before joining the NFL, he played college football at Washington State University. Anthony 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 in Lowell, Massachusetts, on March 27, 1970. He grew up and went to Rubidoux High School in Riverside, California.

College Football Career

Anthony Prior played college football for the Washington State Cougars. He was part of the team from 1988 to 1991. He earned a "letterman" award for three years, from 1989 to 1991. This award means he played well enough to earn a varsity letter.

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 from a kick return, which tied a record in the Pacific-10 Conference.

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

Playing in the NFL

Anthony Prior was drafted by the New York Giants in 1992. He was the 238th player chosen overall in the ninth round. He officially joined the team in July 1992. However, he was released by the Giants in August of the same year.

New York Jets

In September 1992, Anthony joined the practice squad of the New York Jets. He was released later that month. But he signed with the Jets again in 1993.

During the 1993 season, he played in all 16 games for the Jets. He made four tackles and returned nine kicks for 126 yards. He also recovered one fumble. 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 in March 1996.

Other NFL Teams

After leaving the Jets, Anthony signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in March 1996. He was released by them in July 1996.

Then, he signed with the San Francisco 49ers in July 1996. But he was released by the 49ers in August 1996.

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

Anthony signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in April 1998. He was released by them in August 1998.

Finally, he signed with the Oakland Raiders in November 1998. He played in four games for the Raiders in 1998. He was released by the team in December 1998.

Playing in the CFL

After his time in the NFL, Anthony Prior played in the Canadian Football League (CFL).

Calgary Stampeders

In 2000, Anthony 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 good season, but they lost in the West Final.

In 2001, he started all 18 games again. He had 40 defensive tackles and one interception. The Stampeders had an 8–10 record that year. However, they made it to the 89th Grey Cup on November 25, 2001. They won the Grey Cup, which is the championship game of the CFL, by defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

BC Lions

In 2002, Anthony played in 13 games for the BC Lions of the CFL. He made 32 defensive tackles and had one interception.

Return to Stampeders

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

Life After Football

Anthony Prior has also written books. 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 titled The Slave Side of Sunday.