Byron Capers

Former NFL/CFL pro football

What is Byron Capers known for?

Byron Capers, born March 21, 1974, in Washington, D.C., was an accomplished professional American-Canadian football player. He grew up primarily in Marietta, Georgia and attended Wheeler High School where he was first recognized for his athletic prowess on the football field and track.

As a high school senior, Capers awed spectators by making 117 tackles on defense and rushing for 1,305 yards on offense, securing him titles as first-team All-State and second-team All-American by USA Today. His athletic talents extended to track where he earned All-American status.

Capers' college years further solidified his reputation as an excellent athlete. He played college football for the Florida State Seminoles, where he was part of the 1993 national championship team. He was named first team All-ACC in his senior season. Additionally, he also competed on Florida State's track team and earned All-America status in the 4x100 relay.

His professional career started when he was drafted in the seventh round of the 1997 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. Capers later played for the Kansas City Chiefs and then found his footing in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played for several teams including the Toronto Argonauts, the BC Lions, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the Ottawa Renegades, and the Edmonton Eskimos. His career highlights included being a Grey Cup champion in 2003.

In terms of his career stats, Capers made a total of 193 tackles, forced 6 fumbles, achieved 5 fumble recoveries, 37 pass deflections, and 7 interceptions. His storied career came to an end when he retired, leaving behind an impressive legacy in the CFL.

For an in-depth look at Capers' football career, you can visit Pro Football Reference and the CFL's official site.