In 2009, the Miami Dolphins signed a little known defensive end from the BC Lions of the Candian Football League. Three seasons later, Cameron Wake has turned into one of the top pass rushers in the game. This offseason, the Dolphins were once again turning to the CFL to try to find the next impact player - this time in running back Jerome Messam.
In 2011, the 6' 3", 245 lbs. tailback was the first Canadian-born CFL player to surpass 1,000 yards rushing since Sean Millngton in 2000. With the Dolphins, Messam was expected to compete for a roster spot, using his size to his advantage as he ran up the middle. Messam impressed during the Dolphins' rookie minicamp earlier this month, showing speed despite his size.
However, the long odds for Messam to make it onto the Dolphins 53-man roster got even longer yesterday, as Messam tweeted that he will have knee surgery today.
Trying to stay positive about tomorrow, its hard tho when you have two surgeries in 5 months. #faith
— Jerome Messam (@JMessam) May 14, 2012
Messam, who is 27 years old, was looking to compete for the fourth running back slot, behind starter Reggie Bush, sophomore Daniel Thomas, and fourth round draft pick Lamar Miller. The surgery, which could keep Messam out for the majority of the offseason, opens the door for veteran Steve Slaton to remain with the Dolphins.
Messam injured his knee during the 2011 season, tearing the meniscus in his left knee during the semi-finals of the playoffs. Messam's team, the Edmonton Eskimos, would lose the following week to the BC Lions in the Division Finals, sending the Lions to the Grey Cup championship game. Messam was named to the CFL All-Star team, and was recognized as the league's Most Outstanding Canadian.