Matt Black (Canadian football) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Matt Black

Black in 2023
Position:	Cornerback/Kick returner
Personal information
Born:	(1985-03-01) March 1, 1985 (age 40) Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Height:	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight:	182 lb (83 kg)
Career information
High school:	Northern
College:	Saginaw Valley State
CFL draft:	2008 / Round: 6 / Pick: 45
Career history
Toronto Argonauts (2009–2018)
Career highlights and awards
Grey Cup champion (2012, 2017)
Career CFL statistics
Tackles: 128 Sacks: 2 Int.: 3
Player stats at CFL.ca (archive)

Matthew Black (born March 1, 1985) is a former professional Canadian football player. He was a defensive back for ten seasons. All his professional career was spent with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Matt Black helped his team win two Grey Cup championships in 2012 and 2017.

Early Life and High School Sports

Matt Black was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. His parents are Marlane and Donovan. He has a younger brother named Eric and a younger sister named Destiny. When he was a young boy, Matt attended a French immersion program. This was at Market Lane Public School in downtown Toronto.

While attending Northern Secondary School, Matt played football. He was named the Mid-Town Football Most Valuable Player. Besides football, he was a talented athlete in many other sports. He played rugby, ice hockey, baseball, and also competed in Track and field athletics. Matt was also an all-star player for the Metro Toronto Wildcats. This is a team in the Ontario Varsity Football League. He was recognized as the league's Most Outstanding Defensive Back.

College Football Career

After high school, Matt Black continued his football journey. He played college football at Saginaw Valley State University. There, he studied communications and marketing. He was a starter for the Cardinals football team for four years. In 2004, he took a "redshirt" year, which means he practiced but did not play in games. This allowed him to gain experience without using up a year of eligibility.

In 2005, he started in all games as a redshirt freshman. During the 2006 season, he was a key player for the Cardinals. He led the team in punt return average. He also returned 8 kickoff returns for a total of 203 yards, scoring one touchdown.

Matt was recognized for his academic achievements too. He was named to the Academic All-Conference team in 2007. In his final season, Matt Black had an outstanding year. He was chosen for the First-Team All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference team. He also played in the Valero Cactus Bowl senior all-star game. He made 42 tackles and broke up 4 passes. He was third in his conference with 5 interceptions, gaining 119 yards. One of these interceptions was returned for a 19-yard touchdown. He also earned a GLIAC Player of the Week award in 2008.

Professional Football Journey

Matt Black was chosen by the Toronto Argonauts in the sixth round of the 2008 CFL Draft. He officially signed with the team on March 10, 2009. He played for the Argonauts for ten seasons.

In his first eight seasons, Matt played in 109 games. He had two particularly strong seasons. In 2013, he made 34 tackles. In 2016, he set a personal best with 44 tackles.

At the start of the 2017 season, Matt was briefly released by the Argonauts. However, he was re-signed just one week later. This turned out to be a very important decision. In the final moments of the 105th Grey Cup game, Matt Black made a game-winning play. His interception sealed a 27–24 victory for the Argonauts. They won against the Calgary Stampeders. This was his second Grey Cup championship.

Just one day before he could have become a free agent, Matt and the Argonauts agreed to a new two-year contract. He continued to play for the team until his retirement.