Jermaine Mays (born July 13, 1979) is a former professional American and Canadian football cornerback. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Minnesota Vikings in 2003. He played college football for the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Jermaine Mays
Mays with the Toronto Argonauts in 2008
Born: (1979-07-13) July 13, 1979 (age 44)
Miami, Florida, U.S.
Career information
CFL statusAmerican
Position(s)CB
Height5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight180 lb (82 kg)
CollegeMinnesota
High schoolMiami Jackson High School
NFL draft2003, Undrafted
Career history
As player
2003–2004Minnesota Vikings*
2005Indianapolis Colts*
2006Orlando Predators
2006Nashville Kats
2006–2007Toronto Argonauts
2008Hamilton Tiger-Cats*
2008Toronto Argonauts
*Practice roster or pre-season only
Career stats

Mays has also been a member of the Indianapolis Colts, Orlando Predators, Nashville Kats and Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Early years edit

Mays was born in Miami, Florida, on July 13, 1979, and he grew up there.[1] He attended Miami Jackson High School where he was an All-State selection in his senior year despite breaking his collarbone.[1]

College career edit

Mays attended the University of Minnesota and played football at the wide receiver position for the Golden Gophers in 2001 and 2002.[1] He majored in Youth Studies & Leadership while at Minnesota.[1]

After getting redshirted in 2000, Mays saw limited action in 2001.[1] He recorded 21 receptions and 381 yards. He also scored an 81-yard touchdown which proved to be a game winner against Iowa.[1]

In 2002, Mays won the team MVP award after playing on special teams and setting a school record with five blocked punts in one season.[1]

Professional career edit

Minnesota Vikings edit

Mays was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Minnesota Vikings on September 10, 2003, as a wide receiver. On August 5, 2003, Mays switched to cornerback.[2]

Mays was assigned by the Vikings to the Berlin Thunder in 2004. He helped lead the Thunder to a World Bowl. The Vikings released him on September 6, 2004.

Indianapolis Colts edit

Mays was signed by the Indianapolis Colts on February 11, 2005[3] and was assigned to the Berlin Thunder. He recorded 22 tackles, and scored a touchdown for 100 yards which is the league record.[4] He was released by the Colts on September 4, 2005.[5][6]

Orlando Predators edit

The Orlando Predators signed Mays on October 12, 2005, but did not play in any games for the Predators that season.

In 2006, he started the first four games for the Predators[7] before he pulled his hamstring and was traded.

Nashville Kats edit

Mays was traded to the Nashville Kats for future Toronto Argonauts teammate defensive back Khalil Carter on March 15, 2006.[1][8] He recorded 74 tackles, two interceptions one of which he returned for a touchdown during his rookie year. At the end of the season, he was named the AFL Rookie of the Year.[citation needed]

First stint with Argonauts edit

Mays was signed by the Toronto Argonauts on May 12, 2006.[1] He played in eight games for the Argonauts, seven of which he started.[1] Made his CFL debut against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and recorded his first interception in the CFL in the same game, picking off Jason Maas.[1]

In 2007, he dressed for four games with the Argonauts, but was released on August 18, 2007.[1][9]

Hamilton Tiger-Cats edit

On March 7, 2008,[10][11] Mays was signed by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.[12] However, after not playing a game for the Tiger-Cats, he was released on July 29, 2008.

Second stint with Argonauts edit

The Argonauts re-signed Mays on October 15, 2008.[1] He was released on May 29, 2009.[13]

Personal edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Toronto Argonauts bio". Archived from the original on 2009-01-22. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
  2. ^ Craig, Mark (August 5, 2003). "Mays switches to cornerback". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on October 25, 2012. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
  3. ^ "Indianapolis Colts bio". Retrieved 2009-04-22.[permanent dead link]
  4. ^ "Admirals Take the Title". NFL News. June 11, 2005. Archived from the original on March 7, 2009. Retrieved 2009-04-22.
  5. ^ "Colts Release 17 Among Cut-Day Moves". KTVU.com. September 3, 2005. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved 2009-04-22.
  6. ^ "Colts Players Missing From Practice, Likely Cuts". ColtPower.com. August 29, 2005. Archived from the original on 2011-07-16. Retrieved 2009-04-22.
  7. ^ Lucas, Jason (February 4, 2006). "Defense Bails Out Preds". ArenaFan. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
  8. ^ Markowitz, Adam (July 30, 2006). "Familiar Faces Unite in New Places". ArenaFan. Retrieved 2009-04-22.
  9. ^ "Argonauts sign Edwards to practice squad; Release Two". The Toronto Star. August 19, 2007. Retrieved 2009-04-22.
  10. ^ "Hamilton Tiger-Cats bio". Archived from the original on 2013-01-15. Retrieved 2009-04-22.
  11. ^ "Tiger-Cats sign three DBs". CFL.ca. March 7, 2008. Retrieved 2009-04-22. [dead link]
  12. ^ "Tiger-Cats Add Three Defensive Backs". TSN.ca. March 7, 2008. Retrieved 2009-04-22.
  13. ^ "Argonauts release Mays, add three imports". TSN.ca. May 29, 2009. Retrieved 2009-05-29.