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{{Short description|American football player (born 1992)}}
{{Short description|American football player (born 1992)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Jalen Saunders
| name = Jalen Saunders
| image =
| image =
| image_size =
| image_size =
| alt =
| alt =
| caption =
| caption =
| current_team =Free agent
| current_team =
| number =
| number = 18, 16
| position = [[Wide receiver]]
| position = [[Wide receiver]]
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|9|30}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|9|30}}
| birth_place = [[Stockton, California]]
| birth_place = [[Stockton, California]], U.S.
| height_ft = 5
| height_ft = 5
| height_in = 9
| height_in = 9
| weight_lbs = 165
| weight_lbs = 165
| high_school = [[Pleasant Grove High School (California)|Pleasant Grove]]<br />([[Elk Grove, California]])
| high_school = [[Pleasant Grove High School (California)|Pleasant Grove]]<br />([[Elk Grove, California]])
| college = [[Oklahoma Sooners football|Oklahoma]]<br />[[Fresno State Bulldogs football|Fresno State]]
| college = [[Oklahoma Sooners football|Oklahoma]]<br />[[Fresno State Bulldogs football|Fresno State]]
| draftyear = 2014
| draftyear = 2014
| draftround = 4
| draftround = 4
| draftpick = 104
| draftpick = 104
| pastteams =
| pastteams =
* [[New York Jets]] ({{NFL Year|2014}})
* [[New York Jets]] ({{NFL Year|2014}})
* [[Arizona Cardinals]] ({{NFL Year|2014}})*
* [[Arizona Cardinals]] ({{NFL Year|2014}})*
Line 27: Line 28:
* [[Chicago Bears]] ({{NFL Year|2015}})*
* [[Chicago Bears]] ({{NFL Year|2015}})*
* [[Hamilton Tiger-Cats]] ({{CFL Year|2017}}–{{CFL Year|2018}})
* [[Hamilton Tiger-Cats]] ({{CFL Year|2017}}–{{CFL Year|2018}})
* [[Houston Roughnecks]] ({{XFL Year|2020}})
* [[Houston Roughnecks (2020)|Houston Roughnecks]] ({{XFL Year|2020}})
* [[Ottawa Redblacks]] ({{CFL Year|2020}})
* [[Ottawa Redblacks]] ({{CFL Year|2020}})
* [[Winnipeg Blue Bombers]] ({{CFL Year|2022}})*
* [[Winnipeg Blue Bombers]] ({{CFL Year|2022}})*
| highlights =
| highlights =
* Second-team All-[[Big 12 Conference|Big 12]] (2013)
* First-team All-[[Western Athletic Conference|WAC]] ([[2011 Western Athletic Conference football season|2011]])
* First-team All-[[Western Athletic Conference|WAC]] (2011)
* Second-team All-[[Big 12 Conference|Big 12]] ([[2013 All-Big 12 Conference football team|2013]])
|statlabel1=[[Reception (American football)|Receptions]]
| statlabel1 = Games played
|statvalue1=1
| statvalue1 = 15
|statlabel2=[[Receiving yards]]
| statlabel2 = [[Reception (American football)|Receptions]]
|statvalue2=7
| statvalue2 = 1
|statlabel3=[[Return yards]]
| statlabel3 = [[Receiving yards]]
|statvalue3=245
| statvalue3 = 7
|statlabel4=[[Touchdown|Total touchdowns]]
| statlabel4 = [[Return yards]]
|statvalue4=0
| statvalue4 = 245
| pfr = SaunJa00
|nflnew= jalen-saunders
| cflstatlabel1 = [[Reception (American football)|Receptions]]
| cflstatlabel1 = [[Reception (American football)|Receptions]]
| cflstatvalue1 = 121
| cflstatvalue1 = 121
| cflstatlabel2 = [[Receiving yards]]
| cflstatlabel2 = [[Receiving yards]]
| cflstatvalue2 = 1,909
| cflstatvalue2 = 1,909
| cflstatlabel3 = [[Touchdown|Receiving touchdowns]]
| cflstatlabel3 = [[Touchdown|Receiving touchdowns]]
| cflstatvalue3 = 6
| cflstatvalue3 = 6
|cfl=jalen-saunders/160191/
| cfl = jalen-saunders/160191/
}}
}}


'''Jalen Saunders''' (born September 30, 1992) is a [[gridiron football]] [[wide receiver]] who is a free agent. He was most recently a member of the [[Winnipeg Blue Bombers]] of the [[Canadian Football League]] (CFL). He was drafted by the [[New York Jets]] in the fourth round of the [[2014 NFL Draft]]. Saunders was also a member of the [[Arizona Cardinals]], [[Seattle Seahawks]], [[New Orleans Saints]], [[New England Patriots]], [[Chicago Bears]], [[Hamilton Tiger-Cats]], [[Houston Roughnecks]], and [[Ottawa Redblacks]]. He played [[college football]] at [[Oklahoma Sooners football|Oklahoma]].
'''Jalen Saunders''' (born September 30, 1992) is an American former professional [[gridiron football|football]] [[wide receiver]]. He was selected by the [[New York Jets]] in the fourth round of the [[2014 NFL draft]]. Saunders was also a member of the [[Arizona Cardinals]], [[Seattle Seahawks]], [[New Orleans Saints]], [[New England Patriots]], [[Chicago Bears]], [[Hamilton Tiger-Cats]], [[Houston Roughnecks (2020)|Houston Roughnecks]], [[Ottawa Redblacks]] and [[Winnipeg Blue Bombers]]. He played [[college football]] at [[Oklahoma Sooners football|Oklahoma]].


==High school==
==Early life==
Saunders attended [[Pleasant Grove High School (California)|Pleasant Grove High School]] in [[Elk Grove, California]]. He averaged nearly 19 yards per catch and scored 11 receiving touchdowns on 46 receptions as a senior with 871 yards receiving in 10 games. He also rushed for 410 yards and averaged eight yards per carry and scored six touchdowns.
Saunders attended [[Pleasant Grove High School (California)|Pleasant Grove High School]] in [[Elk Grove, California]]. He averaged nearly 19 yards per catch and scored 11 receiving [[touchdowns]] on 46 [[Reception (gridiron football)|receptions]] as a senior with 871 yards receiving in 10 games. He also rushed for 410 yards and averaged eight yards per [[Carry (gridiron football)|carry]] and scored six touchdowns.


He was also an outstanding sprinter, who clocked a 10.54 time in the [[100 meters]] and a 21.41 in the [[200 meters]] as a junior.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.all-athletics.com/node/416712 |title=Profile of Jalen SAUNDERS &#124; All-Athletics.com |access-date=2014-01-25 |archive-date=2014-02-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201195129/http://www.all-athletics.com/node/416712 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
He was also an outstanding sprinter, who clocked a 10.54 time in the [[100 meters]] and a 21.41 in the [[200 meters]] as a junior.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.all-athletics.com/node/416712 |title=Profile of Jalen SAUNDERS {{pipe}} All-Athletics.com |access-date=January 25, 2014 |archive-date=February 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201195129/http://www.all-athletics.com/node/416712 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


He was considered a three-star recruit by ''[[Rivals.com]]''.<ref>[https://sports.yahoo.com/fresnostate/football/recruiting/player-Jalen-Saunders-98286 Jalen Saunders - Yahoo Sports]</ref>
He was considered a three-star recruit by ''[[Rivals.com]]''.<ref>[https://sports.yahoo.com/fresnostate/football/recruiting/player-Jalen-Saunders-98286 Jalen Saunders - Yahoo Sports]</ref>


==College career==
==College career==
Saunders accepted a scholarship from [[Fresno State University|Fresno State]]. As a freshman, he was third on the team in receptions with 27 for 441 yards and three touchdowns, and also had 14 carries for 109 yards on sweeps and reverses. In 2011, he was named first-team All-[[Western Athletic Conference|WAC]] after he had 1,065 yards on the year on 50 receptions, the ninth 1,000-yard receiving season in Fresno State history. He led the WAC with 12 touchdown catches, which tied for the third-most in program history.
Saunders accepted a scholarship from [[Fresno State University|Fresno State]]. As a freshman, he was third on the team in receptions with 27 for 441 yards and three touchdowns, and also had 14 carries for 109 yards on sweeps and reverses. In 2011, he was named first-team All-[[Western Athletic Conference]] (WAC) after he had 1,065 yards on the year on 50 receptions, the ninth 1,000-yard receiving season in Fresno State history. He led the WAC with 12 touchdown catches, which tied for the third-most in program history.


On May 8, 2012, he announced he was transferring to the [[University of Oklahoma]], citing a change in offensive philosophy at Fresno State as the reason for his transfer.<ref>[http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/7906962/fresno-state-bulldogs-receiver-jalen-saunders-transfer-oklahoma-sooners Fresno State's Saunders Transferring To Oklahoma]</ref> After originally being told he'd have to sit one year, he was cleared by the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] to play in 2012.<ref>[http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/eye-on-college-football/20540028 OU's Saunders Cleared To Play in 2012]</ref>
On May 8, 2012, he announced he was transferring to the [[University of Oklahoma]], citing a change in offensive philosophy at Fresno State as the reason for his transfer.<ref>[https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7906962/fresno-state-bulldogs-receiver-jalen-saunders-transfer-oklahoma-sooners Fresno State's Saunders Transferring To Oklahoma]</ref> After originally being told he'd have to sit one year, he was cleared by the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] to play in 2012.<ref>[http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/eye-on-college-football/20540028 OU's Saunders Cleared To Play in 2012]</ref>


In his premier season with Sooners, Saunders played in nine games with eight starts. Despite sitting out the first four games due to transferring, he totaled 62 receptions for 829 yards and three touchdowns. He tied a school record with 15 catches for 181 yards and set a school record with eight catches in the first quarter vs. [[Notre Dame Fighting Irish football|Notre Dame]] (10/27). In 2013, he started all 13 games and was named second-team All-[[Big 12 Conference|Big 12]]. He recorded 61 receptions for 729 yards and eight touchdowns, highlighted by a winning performance against [[Alabama Crimson Tide football|Alabama]] in the [[2014 Sugar Bowl|Sugar Bowl]], in which he recorded 5 receptions for 75 yards and two touchdowns.
In his premier season with Sooners, Saunders played in nine games with eight starts. Despite sitting out the first four games due to transferring, he totaled 62 receptions for 829 yards and three touchdowns. He tied a school record with 15 catches for 181 yards and set a school record with eight catches in the first quarter vs. [[Notre Dame Fighting Irish football|Notre Dame]] (10/27). In 2013, he started all 13 games and was named second-team All-[[Big 12 Conference]]. He recorded 61 receptions for 729 yards and eight touchdowns, highlighted by a winning performance against [[Alabama Crimson Tide football|Alabama]] in the [[2014 Sugar Bowl|Sugar Bowl]], in which he recorded 5 receptions for 75 yards and two touchdowns.


==Professional career==
==Professional career==
{{NFL predraft
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 5
| height ft = 5
| height in = 8⅞
| height in = 8+7/8
| weight = 165
| weight = 165
| dash = 4.44
| dash = 4.44
Line 82: Line 83:
| bench =
| bench =
| arm span = 30
| arm span = 30
| hand span = 8⅞
| hand span = 8+7/8
| wonderlic = 16
| wonderlic = 16
| note = All values from NFL Combine<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/jalen-saunders?id=2543745 |title=Jalen Saunders Combine Profile |website=NFL.com |access-date=March 12, 2020}}</ref>
| note = All values from [[NFL Combine]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/jalen-saunders?id=2543745 |title=Jalen Saunders Combine Profile |website=NFL.com |access-date=March 12, 2020}}</ref>
}}
}}


===New York Jets===
===New York Jets===
He was drafted by the [[New York Jets]] in the fourth round (104th overall) of the [[2014 NFL Draft]].<ref>[http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000349215/article/new-york-jets-draft-speedy-receiver-jalen-saunders New York Jets draft speedy receiver Jalen Saunders]</ref> In 3 games with the Jets, Saunders returned 6 punts for 26 return yards. He was released by the Jets on September 29, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jets cut rookie Jalen Saunders, sign WR T.J. Graham |url=http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/09/jets_cut_rookie_jalen_saunders_sign_wr_tj_graham.html |publisher=NJ.com |author=Cosentino, Dom |date=September 29, 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141001073018/http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/09/jets_cut_rookie_jalen_saunders_sign_wr_tj_graham.html |archivedate=October 1, 2014 |accessdate=September 30, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
He was selected by the [[New York Jets]] in the fourth round (104th overall) of the [[2014 NFL draft]].<ref>[https://www.nfl.com/news/new-york-jets-draft-jalen-saunders-and-shaq-evans-0ap2000000349215 New York Jets draft speedy receiver Jalen Saunders]</ref> In 3 games with the Jets, Saunders returned 6 [[Punt (gridiron football)|punts]] for 26 return yards. He was released by the Jets on September 29, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jets cut rookie Jalen Saunders, sign WR T.J. Graham |url=http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/09/jets_cut_rookie_jalen_saunders_sign_wr_tj_graham.html |publisher=NJ.com |author=Cosentino, Dom |date=September 29, 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141001073018/http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/09/jets_cut_rookie_jalen_saunders_sign_wr_tj_graham.html |archivedate=October 1, 2014 |accessdate=September 30, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


===Arizona Cardinals===
===Arizona Cardinals===
Saunders was signed to the [[Arizona Cardinals]]' practice squad on October 1, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bishop brought back to roster |url=http://blog.azcardinals.com/2014/10/01/bishop-brought-back-to-roster/ |publisher=Arizona Cardinals |author=Urban, Darren |date=October 1, 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141004200207/http://blog.azcardinals.com/2014/10/01/bishop-brought-back-to-roster/ |archivedate=October 4, 2014 |accessdate=October 2, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Saunders was signed to the [[practice squad]] of the [[Arizona Cardinals]] on October 1, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bishop brought back to roster |url=http://blog.azcardinals.com/2014/10/01/bishop-brought-back-to-roster/ |publisher=Arizona Cardinals |author=Urban, Darren |date=October 1, 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141004200207/http://blog.azcardinals.com/2014/10/01/bishop-brought-back-to-roster/ |archivedate=October 4, 2014 |accessdate=October 2, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


===Seattle Seahawks===
===Seattle Seahawks===
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===New Orleans Saints===
===New Orleans Saints===
The [[New Orleans Saints]] signed Saunders to their 53-man roster on November 19, 2014, just one day after placing fellow rookie [[Brandin Cooks]] on injured reserve.
The [[New Orleans Saints]] signed Saunders to their 53-man roster on November 19, 2014, just one day after placing fellow rookie [[Brandin Cooks]] on [[injured reserve]].


===New England Patriots===
===New England Patriots===
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===Hamilton Tiger-Cats===
===Hamilton Tiger-Cats===
During April 2017, Saunders participated in [[The Spring League]], a startup developmental league who operates as a showcase for NFL and CFL scouts.
During April 2017, Saunders participated in [[The Spring League]], a startup developmental league who operates as a showcase for NFL and [[Canadian Football League]] (CFL) scouts.


Saunders was one of several Spring League players who signed with professional teams later in the year; in Saunders' case he signed with the [[Hamilton Tiger-Cats]] of the [[Canadian Football League]]. Despite being released after the preseason, Saunders was assigned to the Hamilton practice roster. After two weeks, Saunders was promoted to the active roster to take the place of star receiver [[Terrence Toliver]], who suffered a torn ACL during Hamilton's opening game of the 2017 season. During his CFL debut on July 8, Saunders recorded 6 catches for 78 yards, making him the most productive receiver for the Ticats. Saunders also had one rush for a single yard in a losing effort against the [[Saskatchewan Roughriders]]. Saunders topped his performance the following week, again serving as Hamilton's most productive receiver by catching 5 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown in a loss to the [[British Columbia Lions]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.tsn.ca/cfl-fantasy-lulay-a-stunning-difference-maker-1.806601|title=CFL Fantasy: Lulay with a shocking performance - Article - TSN|date=2017-07-17|work=TSN|access-date=2017-07-17}}</ref> In later weeks, Saunders was also used as a return specialist. During the 16 games he played in, Sanders made 76 catches for 1,170 yards and 4 touchdowns. The following year, Saunders was on pace for an outstanding year, but a season ending injury capped his 2018 production at 739 yards and 2 touchdowns on 45 catches during 9 games played. On December 21, 2018 Saunders and the Ti-Cats agreed to a contract extension, preventing him from becoming a free agent two months later.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cfl.ca/2018/12/21/ticats-saunders-agree-contract-extension/|title=Ticats, Saunders agree to contract extension|date=2018-12-21|website=CFL.ca|language=en|access-date=2019-05-16}}</ref> On May 16, 2019, just prior to training camp for the [[2019 CFL season|2019 season]], Saunders was cut by the Tiger-Cats.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cfl.ca/2019/05/15/ticats-release-receiver-jalen-saunders/|title=Ticats release receiver Jalen Saunders|date=2019-05-15|website=CFL.ca|language=en|access-date=2019-05-16}}</ref>
Saunders was one of several Spring League players who signed with professional teams later in the year; in Saunders' case he signed with the [[Hamilton Tiger-Cats]] of the CFL. Despite being released after the preseason, Saunders was assigned to the Hamilton practice roster. After two weeks, Saunders was promoted to the active roster to take the place of star receiver [[Terrence Toliver]], who suffered a [[torn ACL]] during Hamilton's opening game of the 2017 season. During his CFL debut on July 8, Saunders recorded 6 catches for 78 yards, making him the most productive receiver for the Ticats. Saunders also had one rush for a single yard in a losing effort against the [[Saskatchewan Roughriders]]. Saunders topped his performance the following week, again serving as Hamilton's most productive receiver by catching 5 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown in a loss to the [[BC Lions]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.tsn.ca/cfl-fantasy-lulay-a-stunning-difference-maker-1.806601|title=CFL Fantasy: Lulay with a shocking performance - Article - TSN|date=July 17, 2017|work=TSN|access-date=July 17, 2017}}</ref> In later weeks, Saunders was also used as a return specialist. During the 16 games he played in, Sanders made 76 catches for 1,170 yards and 4 touchdowns. The following year, Saunders was on pace for an outstanding year, but a season ending injury capped his 2018 production at 739 yards and 2 touchdowns on 45 catches during 9 games played. On December 21, 2018, Saunders and the Tiger-Cats agreed to a contract extension, preventing him from becoming a free agent two months later.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cfl.ca/2018/12/21/ticats-saunders-agree-contract-extension/|title=Ticats, Saunders agree to contract extension|date=December 21, 2018|website=CFL.ca|language=en|access-date=May 16, 2019}}</ref> On May 16, 2019, just prior to [[Training camp (NFL)|training camp]] for the [[2019 CFL season|2019 season]], Saunders was cut by the Tiger-Cats.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cfl.ca/2019/05/15/ticats-release-receiver-jalen-saunders/|title=Ticats release receiver Jalen Saunders|date=May 15, 2019|website=CFL.ca|language=en|access-date=May 16, 2019}}</ref>


===Houston Roughnecks===
===Houston Roughnecks===
[[Houston Roughnecks]] coach [[June Jones]], Saunders's coach in Hamilton, selected Saunders in the seventh round of phase one of the [[2020 XFL Draft]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Bender|first=Bill|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/xfl-draft-tracker-results-picks-list-rosters-football-league/jahz8p84e4i61hb8lajqs4a22|title=XFL Draft picks 2019: Complete results, rosters, players for new football league|website=[[Sporting News]]|date=October 21, 2019|accessdate=October 22, 2019}}</ref> He was placed on injured reserve before the start of the regular season on January 21, 2020.<ref>{{cite news |author=Talbot, Damond |title=A Full List of XFL Roster Cuts, Who was released today? |url=https://www.nfldraftdiamonds.com/2020/01/xfl-transactions-9/ |website=NFLDraftDiamonds.com |date=January 22, 2020 |accessdate=January 23, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=XFL Injured Reserve |url=https://www.xfl.com/en-US/xfl-injured-reserve |website=XFL.com |accessdate=February 6, 2020}}</ref> He had his contract terminated when the league suspended operations on April 10, 2020.<ref>{{cite news |author=Condotta, Bob |title=XFL suspends operations, terminates all employees, but Jim Zorn says he has hopes league will continue |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/xfl-suspends-operations-terminates-all-employees/ |website=SeattleTimes.com |date=April 10, 2020 |accessdate=July 17, 2020}}</ref>
[[Houston Roughnecks (2020)|Houston Roughnecks]] coach [[June Jones]], Saunders's coach in Hamilton, selected Saunders in the seventh round of phase one of the [[2020 XFL Draft]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Bender|first=Bill|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/xfl-draft-tracker-results-picks-list-rosters-football-league/jahz8p84e4i61hb8lajqs4a22|title=XFL Draft picks 2019: Complete results, rosters, players for new football league|website=[[Sporting News]]|date=October 21, 2019|accessdate=October 22, 2019}}</ref> He was placed on injured reserve before the start of the regular season on January 21, 2020.<ref>{{cite news |author=Talbot, Damond |title=A Full List of XFL Roster Cuts, Who was released today? |url=https://www.nfldraftdiamonds.com/2020/01/xfl-transactions-9/ |website=NFLDraftDiamonds.com |date=January 22, 2020 |accessdate=January 23, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=XFL Injured Reserve |url=https://www.xfl.com/en-US/xfl-injured-reserve |website=XFL.com |accessdate=February 6, 2020}}</ref> He had his contract terminated when the league suspended operations on April 10, 2020.<ref>{{cite news |author=Condotta, Bob |title=XFL suspends operations, terminates all employees, but Jim Zorn says he has hopes league will continue |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/xfl-suspends-operations-terminates-all-employees/ |website=SeattleTimes.com |date=April 10, 2020 |accessdate=July 17, 2020}}</ref>


===Ottawa Redblacks===
===Ottawa Redblacks===
On April 21, 2020, Saunders signed with the [[Ottawa Redblacks]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2020/04/21/redblacks-add-offensive-threat-signing-wr-jalen-saunders/|title=Redblacks add offensive threat with signing of WR Jalen Saunders|publisher=[[Ottawa Redblacks]]|date=April 21, 2020|access-date=April 21, 2020}}</ref> After the CFL canceled the [[2020 CFL season|2020 season]] due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Saunders chose to opt-out of his contract with the Redblacks on August 28, 2020.<ref>{{cite news |author=Abbott, JC |title=Former NFL receiver Jalen Saunders opts out of CFL contract |url=https://3downnation.com/2020/08/28/former-nfl-receiver-jalen-saunders-opts-out-of-cfl-contract/ |website=3downnation.com |date=August 28, 2020 |accessdate=August 29, 2020}}</ref> He re-signed with Ottawa on January 11, 2021.<ref>{{cite news |title=Redblacks re-sign explosive receiver Jalen Saunders |url=https://3downnation.com/2021/01/11/redblacks-re-sign-explosive-receiver-jalen-saunders/ |website=3downnation.com |date=January 11, 2021 |access-date=February 17, 2021}}</ref> Saunders was involved in a car accident in May 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |author=3Down Staff |date=2021-05-16 |title=Scary car crash puts CFL receiver Jalen Saunders in hospital |url=https://3downnation.com/2021/05/16/scary-car-crash-puts-cfl-receiver-jalen-saunders-in-hospital/ |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=3DownNation |language=en-US}}</ref> He retired from football on June 15, 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=2021 CFL Transactions |url=https://www.cfl.ca/transactions/?season=2021 |website=CFL.ca |access-date=June 16, 2021}}</ref>
On April 21, 2020, Saunders signed with the [[Ottawa Redblacks]] of the CFL.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2020/04/21/redblacks-add-offensive-threat-signing-wr-jalen-saunders/|title=Redblacks add offensive threat with signing of WR Jalen Saunders|publisher=[[Ottawa Redblacks]]|date=April 21, 2020|access-date=April 21, 2020}}</ref> After the CFL canceled the [[2020 CFL season|2020 season]] due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Saunders chose to opt-out of his contract with the Redblacks on August 28, 2020.<ref>{{cite news |author=Abbott, JC |title=Former NFL receiver Jalen Saunders opts out of CFL contract |url=https://3downnation.com/2020/08/28/former-nfl-receiver-jalen-saunders-opts-out-of-cfl-contract/ |website=3downnation.com |date=August 28, 2020 |accessdate=August 29, 2020}}</ref> He re-signed with Ottawa on January 11, 2021.<ref>{{cite news |title=Redblacks re-sign explosive receiver Jalen Saunders |url=https://3downnation.com/2021/01/11/redblacks-re-sign-explosive-receiver-jalen-saunders/ |website=3downnation.com |date=January 11, 2021 |access-date=February 17, 2021}}</ref> Saunders was involved in a car accident in May 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |author=3Down Staff |date=May 16, 2021 |title=Scary car crash puts CFL receiver Jalen Saunders in hospital |url=https://3downnation.com/2021/05/16/scary-car-crash-puts-cfl-receiver-jalen-saunders-in-hospital/ |access-date=May 27, 2022 |website=3DownNation |language=en-US}}</ref> He retired from football on June 15, 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=2021 CFL Transactions |url=https://www.cfl.ca/transactions/?season=2021 |website=CFL.ca |access-date=June 16, 2021}}</ref>


=== Winnipeg Blue Bombers ===
=== Winnipeg Blue Bombers ===
On April 14, 2022, Saunders came out of retirement and signed a two-year contract with the [[Winnipeg Blue Bombers]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-14 |title=Bombers agree to two-year deal with WR Jalen Saunders |url=https://www.cfl.ca/2022/04/14/bombers-agree-to-two-year-deal-with-wr-jalen-saunders/ |access-date=2022-04-15 |website=CFL.ca |language=en}}</ref> However, he was released in the early stages of training camp on May 25, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cfl.ca/2022/05/25/bombers-release-receiver-jalen-saunders/ Bombers release receiver Jalen Saunders |publisher=[[Canadian Football League]] |date=May 25, 2022}}</ref> On May 26, 2022 it was reported by the [[Winnipeg Free Press]] that the Bombers parted ways with Saunders after he allegedly sexually assaulted a 22-year old woman during the [[Victoria Day|May holiday weekend]].<ref>{{Cite web |author=3Down Staff |date=2022-05-27 |title=Bombers released Jalen Saunders due to sexual assault allegations: report |url=https://3downnation.com/2022/05/26/bombers-released-jalen-saunders-due-to-sexual-assault-allegations-report/ |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=3DownNation |language=en-US}}</ref>
On April 14, 2022, Saunders came out of retirement and signed a two-year contract with the CFL's [[Winnipeg Blue Bombers]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 14, 2022 |title=Bombers agree to two-year deal with WR Jalen Saunders |url=https://www.cfl.ca/2022/04/14/bombers-agree-to-two-year-deal-with-wr-jalen-saunders/ |access-date=April 15, 2022 |website=CFL.ca |language=en}}</ref> However, he was released in the early stages of training camp on May 25, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cfl.ca/2022/05/25/bombers-release-receiver-jalen-saunders/ |title=Bombers release receiver Jalen Saunders |publisher=[[Canadian Football League]] |date=May 25, 2022}}</ref> On May 26, 2022, it was reported by the ''[[Winnipeg Free Press]]'' that the Bombers parted ways with Saunders after he allegedly sexually assaulted a 22-year old woman during the [[Victoria Day|May holiday weekend]].<ref>{{Cite web |author=3Down Staff |date=May 27, 2022 |title=Bombers released Jalen Saunders due to sexual assault allegations: report |url=https://3downnation.com/2022/05/26/bombers-released-jalen-saunders-due-to-sexual-assault-allegations-report/ |access-date=May 27, 2022 |website=3DownNation |language=en-US}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
*{{Twitter|id=jalen6saunders}}
*[http://www.soonersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=31000&ATCLID=208409655 Oklahoma Sooners bio]
*[http://www.soonersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=31000&ATCLID=208409655 Oklahoma Sooners bio]
*[http://www.gobulldogs.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/jalen_saunders_716688.html Fresno State Bulldogs bio]
*[http://www.gobulldogs.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/jalen_saunders_716688.html Fresno State Bulldogs bio] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104021215/http://www.gobulldogs.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/jalen_saunders_716688.html |date=January 4, 2014 }}


{{Jets2014DraftPicks}}
{{Jets2014DraftPicks}}
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[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Elk Grove, California]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Elk Grove, California]]
[[Category:Players of American football from California]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Sacramento County, California]]
[[Category:American football wide receivers]]
[[Category:American football wide receivers]]
[[Category:Canadian football wide receivers]]
[[Category:Canadian football wide receivers]]
[[Category:American players of Canadian football]]
[[Category:Players of Canadian football from Stockton, California]]
[[Category:Oklahoma Sooners football players]]
[[Category:Oklahoma Sooners football players]]
[[Category:Fresno State Bulldogs football players]]
[[Category:Fresno State Bulldogs football players]]

Latest revision as of 23:27, 5 November 2024

Jalen Saunders
No. 18, 16
Position:Wide receiver
Personal information
Born: (1992-09-30) September 30, 1992 (age 32)
Stockton, California, U.S.
Height:5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight:165 lb (75 kg)
Career information
High school:Pleasant Grove
(Elk Grove, California)
College:Oklahoma
Fresno State
NFL draft:2014 / round: 4 / pick: 104
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Games played:15
Receptions:1
Receiving yards:7
Return yards:245
Stats at Pro Football Reference
Career CFL statistics
Receptions:121
Receiving yards:1,909
Receiving touchdowns:6
Stats at CFL.ca

Jalen Saunders (born September 30, 1992) is an American former professional football wide receiver. He was selected by the New York Jets in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL draft. Saunders was also a member of the Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Houston Roughnecks, Ottawa Redblacks and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He played college football at Oklahoma.

Early life

[edit]

Saunders attended Pleasant Grove High School in Elk Grove, California. He averaged nearly 19 yards per catch and scored 11 receiving touchdowns on 46 receptions as a senior with 871 yards receiving in 10 games. He also rushed for 410 yards and averaged eight yards per carry and scored six touchdowns.

He was also an outstanding sprinter, who clocked a 10.54 time in the 100 meters and a 21.41 in the 200 meters as a junior.[1]

He was considered a three-star recruit by Rivals.com.[2]

College career

[edit]

Saunders accepted a scholarship from Fresno State. As a freshman, he was third on the team in receptions with 27 for 441 yards and three touchdowns, and also had 14 carries for 109 yards on sweeps and reverses. In 2011, he was named first-team All-Western Athletic Conference (WAC) after he had 1,065 yards on the year on 50 receptions, the ninth 1,000-yard receiving season in Fresno State history. He led the WAC with 12 touchdown catches, which tied for the third-most in program history.

On May 8, 2012, he announced he was transferring to the University of Oklahoma, citing a change in offensive philosophy at Fresno State as the reason for his transfer.[3] After originally being told he'd have to sit one year, he was cleared by the NCAA to play in 2012.[4]

In his premier season with Sooners, Saunders played in nine games with eight starts. Despite sitting out the first four games due to transferring, he totaled 62 receptions for 829 yards and three touchdowns. He tied a school record with 15 catches for 181 yards and set a school record with eight catches in the first quarter vs. Notre Dame (10/27). In 2013, he started all 13 games and was named second-team All-Big 12 Conference. He recorded 61 receptions for 729 yards and eight touchdowns, highlighted by a winning performance against Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, in which he recorded 5 receptions for 75 yards and two touchdowns.

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash Vertical jump Broad jump Wonderlic
5 ft 8+7⁄8 in
(1.75 m) 		165 lb
(75 kg) 		30 in
(0.76 m) 		8+7⁄8 in
(0.23 m)		 4.44 s 34.0 in
(0.86 m)		 10 ft 2 in
(3.10 m)		 16
All values from NFL Combine[5]

New York Jets

[edit]

He was selected by the New York Jets in the fourth round (104th overall) of the 2014 NFL draft.[6] In 3 games with the Jets, Saunders returned 6 punts for 26 return yards. He was released by the Jets on September 29, 2014.[7]

Arizona Cardinals

[edit]

Saunders was signed to the practice squad of the Arizona Cardinals on October 1, 2014.[8]

Seattle Seahawks

[edit]

He was signed to the Seattle Seahawks' practice squad on November 4, 2014.

New Orleans Saints

[edit]

The New Orleans Saints signed Saunders to their 53-man roster on November 19, 2014, just one day after placing fellow rookie Brandin Cooks on injured reserve.

New England Patriots

[edit]

On September 1, 2015, the Saints traded Saunders to the New England Patriots for a conditional draft pick. He was released on September 5, 2015.[9]

Chicago Bears

[edit]

He was signed to the Chicago Bears' practice squad on September 7, 2015. Saunders was not offered a futures contract by the Bears after the 2015 NFL season.

Saunders was suspended for the first 10 games of the 2016 NFL season for violating the substance abuse policy.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats

[edit]

During April 2017, Saunders participated in The Spring League, a startup developmental league who operates as a showcase for NFL and Canadian Football League (CFL) scouts.

Saunders was one of several Spring League players who signed with professional teams later in the year; in Saunders' case he signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL. Despite being released after the preseason, Saunders was assigned to the Hamilton practice roster. After two weeks, Saunders was promoted to the active roster to take the place of star receiver Terrence Toliver, who suffered a torn ACL during Hamilton's opening game of the 2017 season. During his CFL debut on July 8, Saunders recorded 6 catches for 78 yards, making him the most productive receiver for the Ticats. Saunders also had one rush for a single yard in a losing effort against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Saunders topped his performance the following week, again serving as Hamilton's most productive receiver by catching 5 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown in a loss to the BC Lions.[10] In later weeks, Saunders was also used as a return specialist. During the 16 games he played in, Sanders made 76 catches for 1,170 yards and 4 touchdowns. The following year, Saunders was on pace for an outstanding year, but a season ending injury capped his 2018 production at 739 yards and 2 touchdowns on 45 catches during 9 games played. On December 21, 2018, Saunders and the Tiger-Cats agreed to a contract extension, preventing him from becoming a free agent two months later.[11] On May 16, 2019, just prior to training camp for the 2019 season, Saunders was cut by the Tiger-Cats.[12]

Houston Roughnecks

[edit]

Houston Roughnecks coach June Jones, Saunders's coach in Hamilton, selected Saunders in the seventh round of phase one of the 2020 XFL Draft.[13] He was placed on injured reserve before the start of the regular season on January 21, 2020.[14][15] He had his contract terminated when the league suspended operations on April 10, 2020.[16]

Ottawa Redblacks

[edit]

On April 21, 2020, Saunders signed with the Ottawa Redblacks of the CFL.[17] After the CFL canceled the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Saunders chose to opt-out of his contract with the Redblacks on August 28, 2020.[18] He re-signed with Ottawa on January 11, 2021.[19] Saunders was involved in a car accident in May 2021.[20] He retired from football on June 15, 2021.[21]

Winnipeg Blue Bombers

[edit]

On April 14, 2022, Saunders came out of retirement and signed a two-year contract with the CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers.[22] However, he was released in the early stages of training camp on May 25, 2022.[23] On May 26, 2022, it was reported by the Winnipeg Free Press that the Bombers parted ways with Saunders after he allegedly sexually assaulted a 22-year old woman during the May holiday weekend.[24]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Profile of Jalen SAUNDERS | All-Athletics.com". Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
  2. ^ Jalen Saunders - Yahoo Sports
  3. ^ Fresno State's Saunders Transferring To Oklahoma
  4. ^ OU's Saunders Cleared To Play in 2012
  5. ^ "Jalen Saunders Combine Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved March 12, 2020.
  6. ^ New York Jets draft speedy receiver Jalen Saunders
  7. ^ Cosentino, Dom (September 29, 2014). "Jets cut rookie Jalen Saunders, sign WR T.J. Graham". NJ.com. Archived from the original on October 1, 2014. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  8. ^ Urban, Darren (October 1, 2014). "Bishop brought back to roster". Arizona Cardinals. Archived from the original on October 4, 2014. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  9. ^ "Patriots release 11 players; Place Brandon LaFell on PUP". Patriots.com. September 5, 2015. Archived from the original on June 8, 2017. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  10. ^ "CFL Fantasy: Lulay with a shocking performance - Article - TSN". TSN. July 17, 2017. Retrieved July 17, 2017.
  11. ^ "Ticats, Saunders agree to contract extension". CFL.ca. December 21, 2018. Retrieved May 16, 2019.
  12. ^ "Ticats release receiver Jalen Saunders". CFL.ca. May 15, 2019. Retrieved May 16, 2019.
  13. ^ Bender, Bill (October 21, 2019). "XFL Draft picks 2019: Complete results, rosters, players for new football league". Sporting News. Retrieved October 22, 2019.
  14. ^ Talbot, Damond (January 22, 2020). "A Full List of XFL Roster Cuts, Who was released today?". NFLDraftDiamonds.com. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
  15. ^ "XFL Injured Reserve". XFL.com. Retrieved February 6, 2020.
  16. ^ Condotta, Bob (April 10, 2020). "XFL suspends operations, terminates all employees, but Jim Zorn says he has hopes league will continue". SeattleTimes.com. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  17. ^ "Redblacks add offensive threat with signing of WR Jalen Saunders". Ottawa Redblacks. April 21, 2020. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
  18. ^ Abbott, JC (August 28, 2020). "Former NFL receiver Jalen Saunders opts out of CFL contract". 3downnation.com. Retrieved August 29, 2020.
  19. ^ "Redblacks re-sign explosive receiver Jalen Saunders". 3downnation.com. January 11, 2021. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  20. ^ 3Down Staff (May 16, 2021). "Scary car crash puts CFL receiver Jalen Saunders in hospital". 3DownNation. Retrieved May 27, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  21. ^ "2021 CFL Transactions". CFL.ca. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
  22. ^ "Bombers agree to two-year deal with WR Jalen Saunders". CFL.ca. April 14, 2022. Retrieved April 15, 2022.
  23. ^ "Bombers release receiver Jalen Saunders". Canadian Football League. May 25, 2022.
  24. ^ 3Down Staff (May 27, 2022). "Bombers released Jalen Saunders due to sexual assault allegations: report". 3DownNation. Retrieved May 27, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
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