THE CANADIAN PRESS
TORONTO — David Boston is looking to kick-start his pro football career in the CFL.
The former Pro Bowl receiver signed with the Toronto Argonauts on Monday and is anxious to return to the field. He missed all of last season after being released by the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 12, 2007.
"I’m excited," Boston said via telephone from California, where he’s currently training. "I’m excited about the idea of going out and having fun again.
"I’ve been injured and haven’t really played the last two years and for me I’m excited about going out and playing football."
The six-foot-two, 228-pound Boston was selected in the first round, eighth overall, by the Arizona Cardinals in the 1999 NFL draft. He also spent time with San Diego, Miami and Tampa Bay.
Boston admits he doesn’t know a whole lot about Canadian football, but does like the idea of playing on the longer, wider field where he can fully utilize his speed. Boston has posted a 40-yard dash time around 4.40 seconds, which is exceptionally quick.
"That should be interesting," he said. "Hopefully that extra room will be a great experience."
Boston left Ohio State to enter the NFL draft as a junior. The 29-year-old played 56 games with the Cardinals and teamed up with quarterback Jake Plummer to lead the NFL in receiving yards with 1,598 in 2001. He was named to the NFL Pro Bowl team that season.
He later went to San Diego, where he played with former Argos quarterback Doug Flutie and led the club in receiving yards in 2003. Boston was eventually traded to the Miami Dolphins before signing with Tampa Bay.
"We’ve been looking for a physical receiver and not only does David play physical but he has great speed," said Greg Mohns, the Argos assistant general manager. "His resume speaks for itself."
New Argos head coach Rich Stubler said he can’t wait for Boston to get on the field.
"He has the size and speed to be a dominant player in our league as the wider field should fit well with his natural abilities," Stubler said. "Combined with returning receivers Arland Bruce III, Obed Cetoute, Patrick Johnson, Andre Talbot and Chad Rempel, David adds another powerful weapon to our receiving corps."
Boston could have signed with an NFL club, but it would likely have been as a backup. By coming to Canada, he will get the opportunity to play and regain the form that made him a Pro Bowl player and possibly return south and resume his NFL career.
However, Boston said he’s not coming to Canada with the sole purpose of returning to the NFL.
"Not really," he said. "I’m just going out there to play and have fun and if that happens, down the line that might be something I’m interested in.
"Right now I’m just going up there trying to take advantage of this opportunity and play and have fun."
Toronto was a Grey Cup contender last year, finishing first in the East Division before losing 19-9 to Winnipeg in the conference final. Boston said a big reason why he signed with the Argos was his belief the team will contend again this year.
`Unfortunately I’ve been on losing teams for the last six or seven years and I wouldn’t want to go through a situation where there wasn’t a promising ending," he said. "I think this team has a lot of talent and is going in the right direction.
"This is a great opportunity and I’m excited to be a part of it."
Boston was a dominant player at Ohio State, setting 11 school records. A three-year starter, he had 191 catches for 2,855 yards and 34 touchdowns in three seasons and was twice a All-Big 10 selection.
Boston battled knee injuries during his time in the NFL but says he’s completely healthy. Boston will report to Toronto’s training camp next month for physicals with other first-year CFL players.
Boston has played 75 career NFL games, having registered 315 catches for 4,699 yards and 25 touchdowns. But he can’t wait to play in Canada.
"I’m ready to go," he said. "I haven’t played in a long time and I’m ready to let it all loose."
