Philadelphia signs former CFL standout, Stokes
Friday November 19, 2010
PHILADELPHIA (November 18, 2010) – The Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League announce the signing of wide receiver/kick returner, Keith Stokes (5’8, 185, East Carolina) for the 2011 season. Stokes becomes the second player (Matt Hewitt) signed from the 2010 Open Tryouts for the Soul.
The former Pirate finds his name in a few Canadian Football League record categories including: Tied for No. 1 in Single-game Punt Return Touchdowns (2), tied for No. 2 in Single-season Punt Return Touchdowns (4), No. 3 in Career Punt Return Touchdowns (9), and tied for No. 3 in Career Kick Return Touchdowns (12).
“We are excited Keith is joining the Soul,” said Soul head coach Mike Hohensee. “He has been very successful in the CFL and ranks as one of the all-time greats in CFL history as a returner. His style of play is perfect for what we will be asking him to do for the Soul. He is a veteran that we are counting on to make a difference on and off the field.”
Stokes, Toms River, N.J. native, played seven years in the CFL. While in the CFL, he made the TSN CFL Play of The Year on August 13, 2005 with a 67-yard touchdown reception. In 2004, Stokes won the John Agro Special Teams Award and was named a 2004 CFL All-Star.
Stokes attended East Carolina University, where he led Conference USA in all-purpose yardage with 1,427 yards in 2000. In 2000, he also broke the school record for most punt return yards in a single game with 168 in a 62-20 victory against Houston. In 1999, Stokes set the second all-time longest punt return for school history with a 94-yard return.
ABOUT PHILADELPHIA SOUL
The Soul open the 2011 season at the Pittsburgh Power on Friday, March 11. Home games will be played at Wells Fargo Center (formerly Wachovia Center). The Soul capped their previous five seasons with an ArenaBowl title in 2008. Season ticket plans are now on sale, fans may order by calling the Soul sales department at (215) 253-4900 ext. 3, or request contact from a representative by filling out the form on www.philadelphiasoul.com.
