Manitoba’s Idonije signs with NFL’s Lions.
A former Manitoba Bisons player will continue to play in the NFL, but with a different team.
Defensive lineman Israel Idonije has signed a one year contract with the Detroit Lions. In three seasons with the Chicago Bears, he has registered 20.5 sacks. Overall, he spent nine years in the Windy City and was part of the Bears team that won a Super Bowl in 2006.
Idonije signed with the Lions after visiting the Tenessee Titans. Additionally, the Manitoba native had an offer from the Chicago Bears, but could not come to an agreement with the team.
A former draft pick of the CFL’s Ottawa Renegades (17th overall in 2003), Idonije spent part of the 2003 season with the Cleveland Browns practice squad, but was released later that year. During his time with the Manitoba Bisons, the defensive lineman led the team to a Vanier Cup in 2001 as the Bisons defeated the Saint Mary’s Huskies. He was selected to play in the East-West Shrine Game. From 2000-2002, Idonije registered 16 sacks, which ranks him fourth on the all-time Bisons list.
Idonije was named Manitoba Male Athlete of the Year in 2002. The defensive lineman played high school football for Vincent Massey in Brandon, Manitoba.
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