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Former TCU cornerback Ranthony Texada announced via twitter that he has decided to opt out of his Canadian Football League (CFL) contract to pursue opportunities in the NFL or XFL for the upcoming season.
With the 2020 CFL season being cancelled this year, i have decided to take a leap of faith and opt out of my contract to pursue NFL/XFL opportunites. My body of work speaks for itself , and I believe i have what it takes to compete with the best! https://t.co/yNNkY5mlZ4 pic.twitter.com/Hdt6272piG
— issaRant (@RTexada) August 25, 2020
The 2020 CFL season was cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns, so now is the perfect time for Texada to strive for the big leagues.
Texada had a truly memorable career for the Horned Frogs where he racked up 117 tackles, 10 TFL, 5 sacks, 3 INTs, and a whopping 30 PBUs while starting 42 games in his career. On top of putting up numbers, he also earned First Team All Big 12 honors in his senior season.
Since his time in the purple and white, Texada has had quite the journey.
Though he had his doubters due to his small size, 5’9 180 lbs, Texada made an NFL squad as an undrafted free agent for the Washington Football Team in 2018. During his time in Washington, Texada saw the field in the preseason before being released once the team announced their 53-man roster.
After the NFL, Texada had a short stint with CFL team the Ottawa Redblacks before he was drafted in the 10th round, 79th overall, in phase 4 of the XFL draft by the New York Guardians.
Before the XFL was shut down, Texada had 16 tackles and 1 sack through only 5 games. One can only wonder where he would be now if the XFL finished their season.
Due to the unfortunate stoppage of the XFL, Texada returned back to the CFL where he signed with defending champion Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Once again, coronavirus struck and the 2020 CFL season was cancelled.
Texada had a decision to make: sit out an entire season waiting for the CFL to return to play, or opt out of his contract to push for his original NFL dreams.
Personally, I believe Texada has what it takes to play in the NFL.
Sure he is a bit smaller than your average NFL cornerback, but where he lacks in size he makes up for in speed and grit. Especially now after gaining experience in the CFL and XFL, Texada has a real shot.
I can envision Texada finding success in the league as a slot corner matching up against the smaller, quicker receivers the NFL has to offer.
With a decent amount of NFL players opting out of the 2020 season because of coronavirus worries, Texada has an even better chance of making a roster.