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Shawn Lemon

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Shawn Lemon
No. 0     Montreal Alouettes
Lemon with the Montreal Alouettes in 2024
Born: (1988-08-25) August 25, 1988 (age 36)
Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.
Career information
StatusSuspended
CFL statusAmerican
Position(s)Defensive lineman
Height6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight242 lb (110 kg)
CollegeAkron
High schoolWestlake (Waldorf, Maryland)
Career history
As player
2011Winnipeg Blue Bombers*
2011Saskatchewan Roughriders
2012San Jose SaberCats
2012Orlando Predators
2012Sioux Falls Storm
2012–2013Edmonton Eskimos
2013–2014Calgary Stampeders
2015Pittsburgh Steelers*
2015San Francisco 49ers*
2015Ottawa Redblacks
2016Saskatchewan Roughriders
2016–2018Toronto Argonauts
2018BC Lions
2019Toronto Argonauts
2019BC Lions
2021Edmonton Elks*
2021–2022Calgary Stampeders
2023BC Lions*
2023–presentMontreal Alouettes
*Offseason and/or practice roster member only
Career highlights and awards
CFL All-Star2022
CFL East All-Star2016
CFL West All-Star2022
Career stats
Tackles237
Sacks101
Forced fumbles30
Interceptions3

Shawn Lemon (born August 25, 1988) is an American professional football defensive lineman for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Akron. He has been a member of eight CFL teams (BC Lions, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Edmonton Eskimos / Elks, Ottawa Redblacks, Toronto Argonauts, Calgary Stampeders, and Alouettes), three indoor football teams (San Jose SaberCats, Orlando Predators, Sioux Falls Storm) and two NFL teams (Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers).

Lemon is a three-time Grey Cup champion. In 2022, he was named a CFL All-Star and won the Norm Fieldgate Trophy as the best defensive player in the West Division. He was also a CFL East All-Star in 2016.

In 2024, he was suspended indefinitely by the CFL for betting on league games.

Early life

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Lemon was born on August 25, 1988, in Charleston, South Carolina.[1][2] His family moved to Waldorf, Maryland and he participated in football, basketball and track and field for the Westlake High School Wolverines. He broke the single-season at Westlake and the Southern Maryland Athletic Conference record with 21 sacks. Lemon recorded 97 tackles as a senior and was named first team All-Metro. He was also named to the Maryland Big School All-State second team. He accrued 80 tackles, 16 sacks, and two interceptions as a junior in 2004, being named second team All-Metro.[1]

College career

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Lemon played college football for the Akron Zips of the University of Akron.[1] He was an All-Mid-American Conference selection as a senior, leading the team with seven sacks and four fumble recoveries. He ended his college career with 102 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, five fumble recoveries and six forced fumbles.[3]

Professional career

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Winnipeg Blue Bombers

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On July 18, 2011, Lemon was signed to the practice roster of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL. He was released by the Blue Bombers on July 21, 2011.[4]

Saskatchewan Roughriders (first stint)

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Lemon signed with the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders on August 10, 2011.[5] He made his CFL debut on September 11, 2011, against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.[3] He was released by the Roughriders on September 21, 2011.[6]

San Jose SaberCats

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Lemon was assigned to the San Jose SaberCats of the Arena Football League (AFL) on March 11, 2012.[7]

Orlando Predators

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Lemon was traded to the Orlando Predators on April 18, 2012. He was reassigned by the Predators on May 8, 2012.[8]

Sioux Falls Storm

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Lemon signed with the Sioux Falls Storm of the Indoor Football League after his release from the Predators.[9]

Edmonton Eskimos (first stint)

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Lemon spent the 2012 season with the Edmonton Eskimos of the CFL.[3] He was released by Edmonton on May 22, 2013.[10]

Calgary Stampeders (first stint)

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Lemon signed with the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL on June 2, 2013. He played six games in 2013, recording 18 tackles, three quarterback sacks and a fumble recovery. He was on the reserve list for twelve games. Lemon recorded six tackles in the Western Final. He started all 18 games for the Stampeders in 2014, recording 13 sacks, five tackles for a loss and eight forced fumbles (CFL League Record) . He also totaled 31 tackles, a special-teams tackle and an interception. Lemon was named the Defensive Player of the Week for Week 15 when he recorded three tackles, a pair of sacks and a forced fumble in a victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The Stampeders won the 102nd Grey Cup against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on November 30, 2014.[3] On January 19, 2015, the Stampeders released Lemon, allowing him to become a free-agent and pursue employment opportunities in the NFL.[11]

Lemon with the San Francisco 49ers in 2015

Pittsburgh Steelers

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Lemon agreed to a contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL) on January 20, 2015.[12] He was released by the Steelers on August 3, 2015.[13]

San Francisco 49ers

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Lemon was signed by the NFL's San Francisco 49ers on August 8, 2015.[14] He was released by the 49ers on August 31, 2015.[15] He was listed as a linebacker during his time with the Steelers and 49ers.[15][16]

Ottawa Redblacks

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On September 3, 2015, Lemon signed with the Ottawa Redblacks of the CFL to play as a defensive end for Ottawa.[17] Lemon played in the last half of the season with the Redblacks, contributing five quarterback sacks during the regular season. He was released by the Redblacks on December 4 so he could pursue NFL opportunities.[18]

Saskatchewan Roughriders (second stint)

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Lemon was signed by the Roughriders on January 15, 2016.[19] Lemon was listed as the third-string defensive end for opening night, effectively confirming rumours that Lemon was unhappy with the Roughriders coaching staff.[20][21] Following a week 1 defeat Lemon asked to be traded.[22]

Lemon with the Toronto Argonauts in 2019

Toronto Argonauts (first stint)

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After reports that Lemon was not happy in Saskatchewan, Lemon was traded to the Toronto Argonauts on July 2, 2016, after playing limited reps in only one game for the Roughriders.[23][24] Lemon and a conditional 2018 CFL Draft pick were sent to the Argonauts in exchange for Mitchell Gale and Matt Sewell.[23] Lemon played in 16 games for the Argos during the 2016 season and finished tied for second in the CFL with 14 sacks. He was recognized by his peers for his performance and was named a CFL East Division All-Star.[25] On December 1, 2016, Lemon and the Argos agreed on a contract extension which kept him with the 'double-blue' through the 2018 CFL season.[26] Lemon was hampered by injury during 2017, and was the only starter on Toronto's defensive line not to make the CFL East All Stars list (Victor Butler, Dylan Wynn, and Cleyon Laing all made the list), but Lemon still managed 8 sacks and a forced fumble in 12 games played. During the playoffs, Lemon recorded 3 sacks in a victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Lemon and the Argos would go on to defeat Lemon's former team, the Stampeders to win the 105th Grey Cup. Lemon played in 5 games for Toronto in 2018, before being traded away. In those games he made 5 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble.

BC Lions (first stint)

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On July 24, 2018, Lemon was traded to the BC Lions for a negotiation list player. Lemon formed a formidable pass rush tandem with Odell Willis, and went on to record 10 sacks in 13 games for BC, including two against Toronto in two meetings later that season.

Toronto Argonauts (second stint)

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After becoming a free agent in February 2019, Lemon signed with Toronto again on a one-year contract.[27] Lemon played in four games for the Argos in 2019, contributing 15 tackles and one quarterback sack.

BC Lions (second stint)

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Lemon with the Calgary Stampeders in 2022

On August 12, 2019, for the second time in his career, Lemon was traded from Toronto to the BC Lions in the middle of the season, this time for Davon Coleman.[28] Lemon's first game back with the Lions saw him record 2 sacks and force a fumble, while also inflicting a season ending injury upon Winnipeg quarterback Matt Nichols.[29] Lemon recorded 8 sacks in 10 games with the Lions. Lemon was not re-signed by the Lions following the 2019 season and became a free agent on February 11, 2020.[30] The 2020 CFL season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Edmonton Football Team / Elks (second stint)

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On February 3, 2021, Lemon signed a one-year deal with the Edmonton Football Team (later renamed the Elks).[31] However, he was released near the end of training camp on July 29, 2021.[32]

Calgary Stampeders (second stint)

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On July 30, 2021, it was announced that Lemon had signed with the Calgary Stampeders.[33] Lemon continued his stellar play in the 2021 and 2022 seasons playing in 28 games for the Stamps, and posting 55 defensive tackles, 22 quarterback sacks, and seven forced fumbles. He was named a CFL All-Star following the 2022 season, his first such honour.[34] He was also named the winner of the Norm Fieldgate Trophy, which is awarded to the most outstanding defensive player in the West Division. Following the season Lemon was not re-signed by the Stampeders and became a free agent on February 14, 2023.[35]

BC Lions (third stint)

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On February 26, 2023, Lemon signed again with the BC Lions.[36] Lemon was released by the Lions during training camp on May 22, 2023.[37]

Lemon with the Alouettes in 2023

Montreal Alouettes

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On July 23, 2023, Lemon signed with the Montreal Alouettes.[38] On September 30, 2023, he scored the first touchdown of his career as he returned a fumble 30 yards for the score in the game against the Ottawa Redblacks.[39] The following week, he recorded the 100th sack of his career, on October 9, 2023, also against the Redblacks, as he sacked Dustin Crum.[40] Overall, he played in just 13 games, but recorded nine sacks, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and one touchdown.[41] In the team's two playoff games, Lemon recorded seven defensive tackles, three sacks, and one fumble recovery as the team advanced to the 110th Grey Cup game. He had three defensive tackles and one sack in that game as the Alouettes defeated the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Lemon won his third Grey Cup championship.[42] On December 7, 2023, Lemon signed a one-year contract extension with the Alouettes.[43] He announced his retirement on April 10, 2024.[44]

Shortly thereafter, on April 24, 2024, the CFL announced that Lemon had been suspended indefinitely for betting on league games while a member of the Stampeders in 2021.[45] Lemon then unretired, launched an appeal, and returned to the Alouettes. He was allowed to take place in team activities and play in games for the Alouettes until an arbitrator made a decision.[46][47] He made the opening day roster and played in four games for the Alouettes, recording six defensive tackles and one sack.[48] On July 4, 2024, an independent arbitrator ruled that his suspension would go into effect immediately.[49][50]

CFL statistics

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Lemon with the Alouettes in 2023
Year Team GP DT ST Sacks INT TD FF
2011 SSK 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
2012 EDM 12 15 0 6 0 0 1
2013 CGY 6 17 0 3 0 0 0
2014 CGY 18 26 1 13 1 0 8
2015 OTT 9 13 0 6 0 0 3
2016 SSK 1 0 0 0 0 0 1
TOR 16 22 0 14 0 0 4
2017 TOR 12 18 0 8 0 0 1
2018 TOR 5 5 0 1 0 0 1
BC 13 16 1 10 0 0 0
2019 TOR 4 15 0 1 0 0 0
BC 10 19 0 8 0 0 3
2020 Season cancelled
2021 CGY 11 26 0 8 0 0 2
2022 CGY 17 29 0 14 0 0 5
2023 MTL 13 26 0 9 2 1 1
TOTAL 148 237 2 101 3 1 30

References

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  1. ^ a b c "8 - Shawn Lemon". gozips.com. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  2. ^ Mingo, Rita (June 17, 2013). "Workmanlike Lemon bringing leadership and experience to Stampeders". calgaryherald.com. Archived from the original on July 24, 2015. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  3. ^ a b c d "Shawn Lemon". stampeders.com. Archived from the original on January 17, 2015. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  4. ^ "Transactions - July 2011". cfl.ca. Archived from the original on August 9, 2014. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  5. ^ "Transactions - August 2011". cfl.ca. Archived from the original on August 9, 2014. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  6. ^ "Transactions - September 2011". cfl.ca. Archived from the original on December 30, 2014. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  7. ^ "Historical Team Transactions". arenafan.com. Archived from the original on February 19, 2016. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  8. ^ "Historical Team Transactions". arenafan.com. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  9. ^ "Storm DE Lemon Signs with NFL". www.oursportscentral.com. OurSports Central. January 21, 2015. Retrieved January 21, 2015.
  10. ^ O'Leary, Chris (May 22, 2013). "Eskimos release Shawn Lemon, add a running back and one outstanding name". blogs.edmontonjournal.com. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  11. ^ "Stamps ink Tate to new deal, release Lemon". CFL.ca. Archived from the original on January 19, 2015.
  12. ^ Alper, Josh (January 20, 2015). "Steelers sign CFL pass rusher Shawn Lemon". NBC Sports.
  13. ^ "SHAWN LEMON". foxsports.com. Archived from the original on August 9, 2015. Retrieved August 8, 2015.
  14. ^ Gutierrez, Paul (August 8, 2015). "49ers sign OLB Shawn Lemon in wake of Aldon Smith's release". ESPN. Archived from the original on August 9, 2015. Retrieved August 8, 2015.
  15. ^ a b Maiocco, Matt (August 31, 2015). "Tracker: 49ers make moves to trim roster". csnbayarea.com. Archived from the original on September 1, 2015. Retrieved September 1, 2015.
  16. ^ Sager, Daniel (July 29, 2015). "Steelers waive OLB Shawn Lemon". steelerswire.usatoday.com. Archived from the original on September 3, 2015. Retrieved September 3, 2015.
  17. ^ "REDBLACKS agree to deal with DL Shawn Lemon". cfl.ca. September 3, 2015. Archived from the original on September 3, 2015. Retrieved September 3, 2015.
  18. ^ Holder, Gord (December 4, 2015). "Redblacks release Lemon so he can chase NFL opportunities". ottawacitizen.com. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved December 8, 2015.
  19. ^ "Roughriders sign defensive lineman Shawn Lemon". sportsnet.ca. January 15, 2016. Archived from the original on February 19, 2016. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  20. ^ "Riders ready to kick off 2016 CFL season". Retrieved July 4, 2016.
  21. ^ Dunk, Justin (June 30, 2016). "Relationship between Riders and Shawn Lemon has soured". 3DownNation. Retrieved July 4, 2016.
  22. ^ "Report: Lemon asks for trade; Stamps interested?". CFL.ca. July 1, 2016. Retrieved July 4, 2016.
  23. ^ a b "Riders trade Lemon to Argos for Sewell, Gale". tsn.ca. July 2, 2016. Archived from the original on July 2, 2016. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  24. ^ Mitchell, Scott (July 1, 2016). "Ex-Calgary Stampeders rush end Shawn Lemon wants out of Saskatchewan". calgaryherald.com. Archived from the original on July 2, 2016. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  25. ^ "Stars Aligned: CFL Divisional All-Stars announced". CFL.ca. November 9, 2016. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  26. ^ "Argonauts sign DE Lemon to extension - Article - TSN". TSN. December 1, 2016. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  27. ^ "Veteran defensive lineman Shawn Lemon returns to Toronto Argonauts". The Toronto Star. February 13, 2019.
  28. ^ TSN ca Staff (August 12, 2019). "Toronto Argonauts trade DE Shawn Lemon to the B.C. Lions for DT Davon Coleman, conditional pick - TSN.ca". TSN. Retrieved August 12, 2019.
  29. ^ "Winnipeg Blue Bombers QB Matt Nichols remains optimistic despite season-ending injury - Winnipeg | Globalnews.ca".
  30. ^ "More to Come: Who will impact Day 2 of free agency?". CFL.ca. February 11, 2020. Retrieved February 15, 2020.
  31. ^ "Lemon signs one-year deal with Edmonton". CFL.ca. February 3, 2021. Retrieved February 3, 2021.
  32. ^ "Veteran defensive lineman Shawn Lemon among 16 players released by the Edmonton Elks". Toronto Star. July 29, 2021.
  33. ^ "Stampeders transactions". Calgary Stampeders. July 30, 2021.
  34. ^ "Updated list of 2022 CFL Division All-Stars". CFL.ca. November 2, 2022. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
  35. ^ "Shawn Lemon still on CFL's free agent open market". TSN. The Canadian Press. February 17, 2023. Retrieved February 21, 2023.
  36. ^ "CFL All-Star Shawn Lemon returns to Lions". BC Lions. February 26, 2023.
  37. ^ "BC Lions sign two-time Grey Cup champ Jonathan Kongbo release veteran Shawn Lemon". TSN. May 21, 2023. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  38. ^ "Montreal Alouettes agree to terms with two-time Grey Cup champion Shawn Lemon". TSN. July 23, 2023. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  39. ^ "Alouettes clinch playoff spot with win over Redblacks". Montreal Alouettes. October 1, 2023.
  40. ^ "Lemon records 100th career sack as Als' defence dominates Redblacks". Montreal Gazette. October 9, 2023.
  41. ^ "Games Notes" (PDF). Canadian Football League. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  42. ^ "110th Grey Cup". Canadian Football League. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  43. ^ "Alouettes sign veteran DL Shawn Lemon to one-year contract extension". sportsnet.ca. December 7, 2023. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  44. ^ "Shawn Lemon announces his retirement". Montreal Alouettes. April 10, 2024.
  45. ^ "Former Stampeder Shawn Lemon suspended indefinitely by CFL for betting on games". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. April 24, 2024.
  46. ^ "Shawn Lemon appeals sports gambling suspension, training with Alouettes". cbc.ca. May 14, 2024. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  47. ^ Naylor, Dave (June 5, 2024). "Lemon, Kelly cases hang over new CFL season". tsn.ca. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  48. ^ "Shawn Lemon". cfl.ca. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
  49. ^ "ALOUETTES' DL SHAWN LEMON SUSPENDED IMMEDIATELY". cfl.ca. July 4, 2024. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
  50. ^ "Lemon's indefinite suspension upheld by independent arbitrator". tsn.ca. August 28, 2024. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
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