The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have re-signed international defensive back Johnny Sears Jr.
Sears Jr., 28, started three games for the Tiger-Cats in 2015, posting 11 defensive tackles, two interceptions, one sack and one forced fumble. Both of his interceptions, one of which he returned 76 yards for a touchdown, came in Hamilton’s season opening game in Calgary on June 26. Sears Jr. missed 15 regular season games and two playoff games due to injury last season.
Prior to joining the Tiger-Cats, the 6-1, 193-pound native of Fresno, California spent five seasons (2010-2014) with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. In 40 career CFL games, Sears Jr. has now registered 138 tackles, eight interceptions, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and two sacks. He has also registered 200 kick return yards on 11 attempts (18.2 yards per return) and 58 punt return yards on seven attempts (8.3 yards per return), all with the Bombers.
Sears Jr. played in four NFL preseason games with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2010 after earning a free agent tryout. The Eastern Michigan product started nine games during his senior season with the Eagles, accumulating 37 tackles, seven pass deflections and one blocked punt. He also returned 33 kickoffs for 755 yards (22.8 yards per return).
