Tiger-Cats sign defensive back Johnny Sears Jr.

HAMILTON – The Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced today that the team has signed international free agent defensive back Johnny Sears Jr.

Sears Jr., a 6-1, 193-pound native of Fresno, California, joins the Tiger-Cats after spending the past five seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. In 35 career games, Sears Jr. registered 127 tackles, six interceptions, four fumble recoveries and one sack. The 28-year-old also totaled 200 kick return yards on 11 attempts (18.2 yards per return) for the Bombers.

“Johnny is an incredibly athletic and versatile defender. He can play more than one position in our defensive backfield, and has the ability to make the type of big plays that can change the outcome of a game,” said Ticats General Manager and Head Coach Kent Austin.

Prior to arriving in Winnipeg, Sears Jr. played in four 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, making 37 tackles, seven pass deflections and one blocked punt. He also returned 33 kickoffs for 755 yards (22.8 yards per return).