Grand Rapids Signs Former Canadian Football League Pass Rusher

The Grand Rapids Rampage continued to solidify their 2008 training camp roster, signing former NFL second-round draft pick and Canadian Football League veteran Rahim Abdullah (Jacksonville, Fla.). The Clemson University product spent two seasons (1999-2000) with the Cleveland Browns after being selected 45th overall in the 1999 NFL draft.
"Rahim is a proven player who has great athletic ability and all of the qualities that you look for in a great pass rusher," said Ron Selesky, Rampage defensive coordinator and director of player personnel. "We really believe he has the opportunity to be a difference maker in our game."
Abdullah brings several years of professional experience to the Rampage defensive front, having spent the past six seasons (2002-07) terrorizing CFL offenses. During his time with the Calgary Stampeders and the Edmonton Eskimos he totaled 146 tackles, two interceptions, three fumble recoveries and 36 sacks. Abdullah led his team in sacks three times (2003, 2005-06), and helped the Eskimos to a Grey Cup championship in 2003.
The 6-5, 277-pound Abdullah turned heads in the NFL as a linebacker, finishing fourth on the Browns with 90 tackles during his rookie season. He went on to start four games for Cleveland in 2000, but was limited to 13 games overall by a groin injury. Abdullah made the jump to the NFL after three successful seasons (1996-98) at Clemson where he totaled 198 tackles, three fumble recoveries, two interceptions and 16.5 sacks.