Toronto Argonauts: 8 things to know about Travis Feeney

We get to know more about linebacker and 2016 NFL draft pick Travis Feeney, who will be aiming to make an impact with the Toronto Argonauts.

It’s an understatement to call this an uncertain time for the Toronto Argonauts, with the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with commissioner Randy Ambroise still aiming for a CFL season at some point in 2020, it’s business as usual (or at least as much as it can be under the circumstances).

In this respect, as reported by the Argonauts’ media relations, the team last week announced the intriguing signing of Travis Feeney. Here are eight things to know about the newest addition to the roster:

1. Fenney’s hometown is in Richmond, California and attended Pinole Valley high school, before deciding to go to the University of Washington. As per their official website, he redshirted his true freshman season, but won the Mark Drennan Defensive Scout MVP award at the Huskies’ postseason awards banquet.

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2. The Huskies moved Feeney from safety to linebacker, a decision which benefited both the player and the team. He started nine of 13 games and served as game captain versus Colorado, as the team went on to play in the Las Vegas Bowl.

3. As per Adam Jude of The Seattle Times, Feeney played through all of his senior year with a sports hernia injury, but it didn’t stop him having his best season with the Huskies. He led the team with eight sacks and 17.5 tackles for a loss, with both totals ranking third in the Pac-12.

4. As per the Argonauts’ media relations, the 27-year-old was named second-team All-Conference and the team’s Defensive Player of the Year following his senior season. For his four-year career with the Huskies, he recorded 248 tackles — including 33.5 for a loss — 15.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, four interceptions and 11 pass defences.

5. Feeney’s play during his senior season had him touted as the Huskies’ best pro prospect, with some talk of him even getting drafted as high as the second round. His chances were further boosted by running the 40-yard dash at the 2016 NFL combine in just 4.50 seconds, which was recorded as the second-fastest time among all linebackers.

6. Feeney was rewarded by being selected in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers and signing a four-year contract. Things didn’t go to plan however, as he was released by the Steelers at part of their final roster cuts ahead of the 2016 NFL season and signed to the practice squad.

7. In December 2016, the New Orleans Saints signed Feeney off the Steelers’ practice squad, but he was waived in June the following year. His next stop was in the AAF with the San Diego Fleet, where he stayed until the league declared bankruptcy and ceased all business operations in April 2019.

8. This will not be Feeney’s first involvement with the CFL. Shortly after the AAF folded he signed with the Montreal Alouettes, although he was also released on the same day.

Quotes:

"“At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter where you’re drafted; it just matters that you get on the team and show what you got. I don’t talk that much … but whoever passes on me they’re going to regret it. Whoever gets me, they’re getting a gem.”"

Feeney speaking ahead of the 2016 NFL draft, as reported by Adam Jude of The Seattle Times.

"“He really strikes you when he puts a hit on you. I think he adds to our special team’s depth and hopefully our pass rush. He is a good pickup for us and I’m happy to work with him.”"

Former Pittsburh Steelers player and linebackers coach Joey Porter talking about Feeney during his time with the team, as reported by Steelers.com.

Did you know:

As per Chip Patterson of CBS Sports, Feeney is a big advocate of the national campaign to raise awareness for breast cancer and breast cancer research. As a tribute to family members and friends who have passed away from breast cancer, he shaved and dyed his hair in the shape of a pink ribbon while playing for the Huskies.

Verdict:

Confidence has never been an issue for Feeney, which is entirely understandable when considering his excellent talent and athleticism. However, his professional football journey to date has probably helped humble him.

As a result, you now have a player who is more grounded and ready to work even harder on the football field. The Toronto Argonauts should benefit with a player who at the very least offers depth, but is more than capable of becoming a regular starter for the defence.

What’s your take on Feeney? What kind of impression do you predict he will make with the Toronto Argonauts? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.