MSU's Acker Signs With British Columbia Lions of the Canadian Football League

BALTIMORE, Maryland –  Former Morgan State University linebacker Cody Acker was signed to a contract by the British Columbia Lions of the Canadian Football League on Monday (May 7).

"It's an honor and a lifetime achievement," Acker said about joining the Lions. "I play this game for the love and to compete at a high level. To be awarded the opportunity to play professionally is a blessing."

Acker, a 6-foot, 235-pound linebacker, completed the 2014 season as an All-MEAC first team selection and led the Bears by posting a career-high 113 tackles (No. 5 in MEAC), 11.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks and an interception. He ranked No. 17 in the nation with 69 solo tackles and also posted a career-high 19 tackles (T-No. 12 in FCS) to lead the Bears at Eastern Michigan.



Acker added, "I would like to thank my coaches and the University for giving me the opportunity to get a quality education, play the game I love and showcase my talents on a national stage."

The Landover, Maryland product was also a key contributor to the MSU capturing a share of the 2014 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Title, marking its first conference championship since 1979. The Bears also made its first-ever appearance in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Playoffs when they faced #16/18 Richmond.

Acker has extensive experience, starting in 33 of 44 games played as a four-year letterman and three-year starter at MSU. During his span with the Bears he recorded 240 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, four interceptions, four forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries and a blocked kick.

Ackers reports to camp on May 27th. He joins former Howard Bison quarterback Greg McGhee, who was also signed by the B.C. Lions.

The British Columbia Lions are members of the West Division of the Canadian Football League (CFL). The Lions played their first season in 1954. As such, they are the oldest professional sports franchise in the city of Vancouver and in the province of British Columbia. They have appeared in the League's Grey Cup championship game 10 times, winning six of those games, with their most recent championship occurring in 2011.

COURTESY MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION