Top 10 NFL players who got their start in the CFL
8. Raghib 鈥淩ocket鈥� Ismail
Ismail first came on the scene while at Notre Dame where he became a national champion, strong receiver and invaluable kick returner. In 1990, Ismail finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting, and was widely regarded as one of the top prospects available in the NFL draft. However, prior to the draft, Ismail decided to sign a lucrative contract with the CFL鈥檚 Toronto Argonauts. While he was selected 100th overall by the Raiders, Ismail would begin his pro career in Canada. In his first CFL season, Ismail helped the Argonauts to a Grey Cup, and was named MVP in Toronto鈥檚 win over Calgary as he had an 87-yard kick return touchdown. A CFL All-Star as well in 1991, things would go downhill in 1992, as the Argonauts鈥� play fell off with Ismail鈥檚 most notable highlight coming during a sideline brawl with the Stampeders.
Ismail was off to the NFL by 1993, joining the Raiders. Despite once being seen as worthy of a No. 1 overall pick, Ismail disappointed a bit in Los Angeles, with his best year coming in 1994 as he racked up 513 receiving yards and five touchdowns. He would put up similar numbers in his first two seasons with the Carolina Panthers before a breakout 1998 season in which he had over 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns. Ismail signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 1999, and became the team鈥檚 leading receiver following Michael Irvin鈥檚 season-ending injury, again posting a 1,000-yard season. Unfortunately, injuries would plague Ismail through the remaining years of his football career, as he officially retired from the NFL in 2003.
Avoiding and 馃嵑 cans, Rocket Ismail () could do it all!
Grey Cup on Demand Portal pres. by
— CFL (@CFL)
