Cleo Lemon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Cleo Lemon

Lemon at Baltimore Ravens training camp in 2009
No. 12, 17, 1, 8
Position:	Quarterback
Personal information
Born:	(1979-08-16) August 16, 1979 (age 45) Greenwood, Mississippi, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:	215 lb (98 kg)
Career information
High school:	Greenwood
College:	Arkansas State (1997–2000)
Undrafted:	2001
Career history
As player:
Green Bay Packers (2001)* Baltimore Ravens (2002)* Memphis Xplorers (2003) San Diego Chargers (2003) Miami Dolphins (2005) Jacksonville Jaguars (2008) Baltimore Ravens (2009)* Toronto Argonauts (2010–2011)
As coach:
First Coast HS (FL) (2013–2015) Offensive coordinator Pittsburgh Steelers (2015) Coaching intern Findlay (2015) Wide receivers coach Dallas Cowboys (2016) Coaching intern Pearl River (2016–2017) Offensive coordinator Jacksonville State (2017–2020) Wide receivers coach New Orleans Saints (2019) Coaching intern
Career NFL statistics
TD–INT: 8–7 Passing yards: 2,185 Passer rating: 71.8
Career CFL statistics
TD–INT: 22–23 Passing yards: 5,069 Passer rating: 82.5
Player stats at PFR
Player stats at CFL.ca (archive)

Cleo Lemon Jr. was a professional football player from the United States. He played as a quarterback, which is like the team's leader on the field, in both the National Football League (NFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL). Cleo was born on August 16, 1979. He played college football for the Arkansas State Red Wolves. After college, he joined the Green Bay Packers in 2001. He also played for several other teams, including the San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, and Toronto Argonauts.

Cleo Lemon's Football Journey

Cleo Lemon had an interesting career playing for many different football teams. Let's look at some of the highlights of his time in professional football.

Starting with the Memphis Xplorers

In February 2003, Cleo Lemon signed with the af2 team called the Memphis Xplorers. This was an arena football league, which is a faster, indoor version of football.

Time with the San Diego Chargers

Cleo Lemon joined the San Diego Chargers on April 4, 2003. He spent his first year on the team's practice squad. This meant he trained with the team but did not play in games.

Making the Team as a Quarterback

In 2004, Cleo worked hard during preseason games. He completed many passes and showed he could play well. He earned a spot as the third-string quarterback for the Chargers. This meant he was ready to play if the first two quarterbacks couldn't. He was inactive for all regular season games that year.

Moving to the Miami Dolphins

In 2005, Cleo continued to play well in the preseason. On October 18, 2005, he was traded to the Miami Dolphins. This was a big move for his career.

Playing for the Miami Dolphins

Cleo Lemon spent a few years with the Miami Dolphins. He started as a backup quarterback but got more chances to play over time.

Becoming a Primary Backup

In 2006, Cleo had a strong preseason with the Dolphins. He completed many passes and had a good rating. He became the main backup quarterback for the team.

Getting Game Time

Later in the 2006 season, Cleo got to play in some regular games. He replaced the starting quarterback in a game against the Buffalo Bills. He also played against the New York Jets, throwing for a touchdown.

First Career Start

On December 31, 2006, Cleo Lemon made his first career start in a regular season game. He played against the Indianapolis Colts, who later won the Super Bowl. Cleo played well, throwing for a touchdown and leading his team to score points.

Challenges and Victories in 2007

In 2007, Cleo signed a new contract with the Dolphins. He became the backup to a new quarterback, Trent Green. When Trent Green got injured, Cleo became the starting quarterback. He showed great determination in games, even scoring two rushing touchdowns and two passing touchdowns against the Cleveland Browns.

Later in the season, Cleo was replaced by a rookie quarterback. But he was named the starter again in Week 15. In that game, he threw a game-winning touchdown pass in overtime against the Baltimore Ravens. This win was very special because it was the Dolphins' first and only win of the season.

Time with the Jacksonville Jaguars

On February 29, 2008, Cleo Lemon signed a three-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He played in only two games for the Jaguars and did not complete any passes in his first season with them. He was released by the team in June 2009.

Second Stint with the Baltimore Ravens

Cleo Lemon rejoined the Baltimore Ravens on August 16, 2009. He had played for them briefly in 2002. This move reunited him with his former coach, Cam Cameron. However, he was waived by the team in September due to family reasons.

Playing in the Canadian Football League

On March 17, 2010, Cleo Lemon signed with the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was named the starting quarterback for the team in June.

Leading the Argonauts to Playoffs

With Cleo as their quarterback, the Toronto Argonauts made it to the playoffs in 2010. This was the first time they reached the playoffs in three years. He played in 17 games that season.

End of CFL Career

On September 6, 2011, Cleo Lemon was released by the Argonauts. He had played in 8 games during the 2011 season before his release.

Images for kids

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  Lemon at Baltimore Ravens training camp in 2009