Ed Gainey (Canadian football) facts for kids
Gainey with the Edmonton Elks in 2023
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| Born: | June 6, 1990 Winston-Salem, North Carolina, U.S. |
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| Career information | |
| CFL status | American |
| Position(s) | DB |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
| Weight | 193 lb (88 kg) |
| College | Appalachian State |
| High school | Mount Tabor (NC) |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 2012–2014 | Montreal Alouettes |
| 2014–2015 | Hamilton Tiger-Cats |
| 2016–2021 | Saskatchewan Roughriders |
| 2022–2023 | Edmonton Elks |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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| CFL All-Star | 2017, 2018 |
| CFL West All-Star | 2017, 2018 |
| Career stats | |
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Edward Eugene Gainey, born on June 6, 1990, is an American professional football player. He plays as a defensive back. Gainey played college football at Appalachian State University. He has been a part of several teams in the Canadian Football League (CFL). These teams include the Montreal Alouettes, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and Edmonton Elks.
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Early Life and High School Football
Ed Gainey grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He played high school football at Mount Tabor High School. He was chosen for the all-region team twice. Gainey also took part in the Shrine Bowl, a special football game.
During his senior year, he caught six interceptions and caused three fumbles. He was also the second-best tackler on his team. His team, the Spartans, made it to the 4-A state championship game. In his junior year, Gainey led the entire state with 13 interceptions.
College Football Career
Gainey played college football for the Appalachian State Mountaineers. He was on the team from 2008 to 2011. During his time in college, he made 168 tackles. He also had five interceptions and broke up 59 passes.
His great performance earned him a spot on the second team All-Southern Conference in both 2009 and 2010. This showed he was one of the best players in his conference.
Professional Football Journey
Playing for the Montreal Alouettes
Ed Gainey started his professional career with the Montreal Alouettes. He signed with this Canadian Football League (CFL) team on May 3, 2012. His first CFL game was on July 6, 2012, against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
In January 2014, Gainey signed a new three-year contract with the Alouettes. However, he was released by the team on June 21, 2014.
Time with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats
After leaving the Alouettes, Gainey quickly found a new team. He signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on July 16, 2014. He played for the Tiger-Cats for a couple of seasons.
Success with the Saskatchewan Roughriders
Gainey joined the Saskatchewan Roughriders on February 10, 2016. He had some amazing moments with this team. On August 13, 2017, he made history during a game against the BC Lions. Gainey caught four interceptions in that single game. This was the first time a CFL player had done that since 1986.
He finished the 2017 season with 10 interceptions. Because of his excellent play, he was named a CFL West All-Star and a CFL All-Star. In 2018, fewer quarterbacks threw passes his way. Still, he managed to get 3 interceptions and his first career sack. He was named to his second CFL All-Star team.
In 2019, Gainey set a personal best with 56 tackles. He also added two more interceptions to his record. He signed a one-year contract extension with the Roughriders on January 25, 2021.
Joining the Edmonton Elks
Gainey signed with the Edmonton Elks on February 8, 2022. He made a big impact in his first season with the Elks. In 2022, he had 47 tackles, one interception, and forced two fumbles in 18 games.
On January 19, 2023, Gainey and the Elks agreed to another one-year contract. However, on June 19, 2023, he was placed on the injured list. This happened after he hurt his shoulder in a game. Gainey was released by the Elks on January 23, 2024.
