At his retirement, Mike Pringle was the all-time leading rusher in CFL history, having surpassed the legendary George Reed. Pringle also tied Reed for the most career touchdowns, though this record has since been surpassed by Milt Stegall. Pringle started his career as a sixth round draft pick by the Atlnta Falcons of the NFL in 1990.. The Falcons released Pringle in 1991, and the running back spent the 1992 season with the Sacremento Surge of the WLAF. Pringle's first season in the CFL was short lived and definitely not an indication of things to come. He was signed by Edmonton in June of 1992 and released in July after playing just three games for the Esks. Pringle signed as a free agent with the expansion Sacremento Goldminers for the 1993 season With the Godminers, Pringle appeared in all 18 games and was used more as a receiver out of the backfield than a runner as he carried the ball only 60 times for 368 yards, but caught the ball 56 times for 523 yards. Pringle moved to Baltimore for 1994 to complete a previous trade between the two teams and had a breakout season running for 1972 yards.and a 6.4 yard average. Pringle followed with another great season in 1995 with Baltimore as he ran for 1791 yards, leading the Baltimore club to a Grey Cup victory. With the folding of the Americian teams, the Baltimore franchise was transferred to Montreal to revive the defunct Aloutte franchise. Pringle played seven season in Montreal, adding five more 1000+ seasons to his credit, missing only due to injuries in 1996 and 2002. Pringle's best season was an amazing 2065 yards russhing on 347 carries in 1998. Perhaps his injury in 2002 made the Als think Pringle's career was done as he played in only six games that year. Anyway, Montreal released Pringle in favour of bad boy Lawrence Phillips and Pringle signed with Edmonton and finished his CFL career where he started it. Pringle played two seasons in Edmonton, rushing for over a 1000 yards in both seasons and racking up 40+ pass receptions in both. Pringle was a divison All-Star nine times and was a seven time All-Canadian winning honours in 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1998, 2000 and 2003. Pringle was twice name the Oustanding Player in the CFL (1995 and 1998). Mike Pringle Inducted into Canadian Football Hall of Fame - April 2, 2008 Alouettes Honor Pringle for his Induction to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame October 10, 2008
Pringle had one quarterback sack with Sacremento in 1993. |