Anthony Orange
{{Short description|American gridiron football player (born 1988)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Anthony Orange
| image = A.J. Jefferson.JPG
| caption = Orange in the 2014 preseason.
| current_team =
| number = 20, 24, 26
| position = Cornerback
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|4|4}}
| birth_place = Bakersfield, California, U.S.
| high_school = West (Bakersfield, California)
| college = Fresno State (2006–2009)
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 0
| weight_lbs = 190
| undraftedyear = 2010
| pastteams = * Arizona Cardinals ({{NFL Year|2010}}–{{NFL Year|2011}})
- Minnesota Vikings ({{NFL Year|2012}}–{{NFL Year|2013}})
- Seattle Seahawks ({{NFL Year|2014}})*
- Toronto Argonauts ({{CFL Year|2015}}–{{CFL Year|2016}})
- Ottawa Redblacks ({{CFL Year|2017}})
- Saskatchewan Roughriders ({{CFL Year|2017}})*
- Edmonton Eskimos ({{CFL Year|2017}})*
- BC Lions ({{CFL Year|2018}})
- Edmonton Eskimos ({{CFL Year|2019}})
| status =
| cflstatus =
| highlights = * CFL All-Star ({{CFL Year|2018}})
- CFL West All-Star ({{CFL Year|2018}})
| statlabel1 = Total tackles
| statvalue1 = 109
| statlabel2 = Fumble recoveries
| statvalue2 = 2
| statlabel3 = Pass deflections
| statvalue3 = 19
| statlabel4 = Interceptions
| statvalue4 = 2
| cflstatlabel1 = Total tackles
| cflstatvalue1 = 149
| cflstatlabel2 = Interceptions
| cflstatvalue2 = 11
| cflstatlabel3 = Defensive touchdowns
| cflstatvalue3 = 2
| cfl = a-j-jefferson/157681/
}}
Anthony Orange, previously named A. J. Jefferson (born April 4, 1988), is a former Canadian football cornerback. He played college football at Fresno State. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Arizona Cardinals in 2010.
Early life and college career
Orange was born and raised in Bakersfield, California and graduated from West High School of Bakersfield in 2006. He began playing football at an early age but didn't play his junior year of high school. He played wide receiver and defensive back and earned first-team all-area selection as defensive back.{{cite web|url=http://www.gobulldogs.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/jefferson_aj00.html |title=A.J. Jefferson |publisher=Fresno State Bulldogs |accessdate=September 2, 2013 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407084932/http://www.gobulldogs.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/jefferson_aj00.html |archivedate=April 7, 2014 }} Orange was a high school teammate of Ryan Mathews.
{{College athlete recruit start|year=2006|40=no}}
{{College athlete recruit entry
| recruit = A. J. Jefferson
| position = WR
| hometown = Bakersfield, California
| highschool = West HS
| feet = 6
| inches = 0
| weight =180
| 40 =
| commitdate = February 1, 2006
| scout stars = 2
| rivals stars = 2
}}
{{College athlete recruit end
| 40 = no
| year = 2006
| rivals ref title = 2006 Fresno St. Football Commitment List
| scout ref title = 2006 Fresno State College Football Team Recruiting Prospects
| rivals school = fresnostate
| scout s = 164
| scout overall = 96 (school)
| rivals overall = 83 (school)
| accessdate = September 2, 2013
| archivedate =
| rivals archiveurl=
| scout archiveurl =
| espn archiveurl =
}}
Orange then attended California State University, Fresno.{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/football/recruiting/player-A.J.-Jefferson-48154|title=A.J. Jefferson|publisher=Rivals.com|accessdate=September 2, 2013}} From 2006 to 2009, He played four seasons on the Fresno State Bulldogs football team.
Professional career
=Pre-draft=
Orange was invited to the 2010 Scouting Combine and was predicted as a 4th to 5th round draft pick.
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 6
| height in = 0 1/8
| weight = 193
| dash = 4.51
| ten split = 1.59
| twenty split = 2.65
| shuttle = 4.00
| cone drill = 6.72
| vertical = 44
| broad ft = 10
| broad in = 6
| bench = 7
| wonderlic =
| arm span = 32 1/2
| hand span = 9 1/4
| note = All values from NFL Combine{{Cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/a-j-jefferson/32004a45-4609-6790-3120-4c072918ba6c |title=A.J. Jefferson Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |website=NFL.com |access-date=February 19, 2025}}{{Cite web |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=74087&DraftYear=2010 |title=A.J. Jefferson College Football Profile |website=DraftScout.com |access-date=February 19, 2025}}{{Cite web|url=https://insider.espn.com/nfl/draft/player/combine?id=25053&_slug_=aj-jefferson&action=login&appRedirect=http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/combine%3fid=25053&_slug_=aj-jefferson|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171214141933/https://insider.espn.com/nfl/draft/player/combine?id=25053&_slug_=aj-jefferson&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnfl%2fdraft%2fplayer%2fcombine%3fid%3d25053%26_slug_%3daj-jefferson|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 14, 2017|title=AJ Jefferson|website=ESPN.com}}
}}
=Arizona Cardinals=
On April 27, 2010, the Arizona Cardinals signed 10 players, one of whom was the undrafted Orange.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/transactions/_/name/ari/arizona-cardinals|title=2020 Arizona Cardinals Transactions|website=ESPN}}
=Minnesota Vikings=
On August 31, 2012, the Minnesota Vikings traded for Orange with the Cardinals for an undisclosed number of draft picks.{{cite web|last= Silva|first= Evan|title= Vikings trade for cornerback A.J. Jefferson |url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/08/31/vikings-trade-for-cornerback-a-j-jefferson/|accessdate=1 September 2012}} This trade was later finalized with Arizona receiving one 6th round pick in the 2013 NFL draft (Tennessee's by way of Minnesota) in return for Orange and Arizona's 7th Round pick in 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Vikings_end_up_with_nine_draft_picks_including_their_own_6throunder021513 |title=Vikings end up with nine draft picks, including their own 6th-rounder | 1500 ESPN Twin Cities – Minnesota Sports News & Opinion (Twins, Vikings, Wolves, Wild, Gophers) | Sportswire: Minnesota Vikings |accessdate=2014-01-20 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201230808/http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Vikings_end_up_with_nine_draft_picks_including_their_own_6throunder021513 |archivedate=2014-02-01 }}{{cite web|last= Gates|first= Christopher|title = Vikings Finalize 2013 NFL Draft Selections|url = http://www.dailynorseman.com/2013/1/13/3871666/minnesota-vikings-2013-nfl-draft-selections|accessdate = January 20, 2013}}
=Seattle Seahawks=
Orange signed with the Seattle Seahawks on May 2, 2014.{{cite web|last=Gantt|first=Darin|title=Seahawks sign cornerback A.J. Jefferson|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/05/02/seahawks-sign-cornerback-a-j-jefferson/|publisher=Pro Football Talk|accessdate=2 May 2014}} The Seahawks placed him on injured reserve on August 26, 2014.{{Cite web |url=http://www.seahawks.com/news/articles/article-1/Seahawks-reach-75-man-roster-limit-by-making-moves-with-injured-players/b4f7a21a-77d2-4bc6-9b85-947b69000308 |title=Seahawks reach 75-man roster by making moves with injured players |access-date=2014-08-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827143540/http://www.seahawks.com/news/articles/article-1/Seahawks-reach-75-man-roster-limit-by-making-moves-with-injured-players/b4f7a21a-77d2-4bc6-9b85-947b69000308 |archive-date=2014-08-27 |url-status=dead }}
=Toronto Argonauts=
Orange signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL) on May 26, 2015.{{Cite web |url=http://www.argonauts.ca/article/argos-sign-six-on-eve-of-rookie-qbs-camp |title=Argos Sign Six on Eve of Rookie & QBS Camp | Toronto Argonauts |access-date=2015-05-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527040456/http://www.argonauts.ca/article/argos-sign-six-on-eve-of-rookie-qbs-camp |archive-date=2015-05-27 |url-status=dead }} In two seasons with the Argos he played in 30 games and accumulated 91 defensive tackles, 6 interceptions, 5 special teams tackles and 2 touchdowns. 1 being a punt return against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Following the 2016 season he was not re-signed by the Argonauts, rendering him a free-agent.
=Ottawa Redblacks=
On February 14, 2017, the first day of CFL free agency, Orange signed with the Ottawa Redblacks (CFL).{{Cite web|url=http://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2017/02/15/redblacks-sign-db-j-jefferson/|title=REDBLACKS sign DB A.J. Jefferson|date=2017-02-15|website=Ottawa REDBLACKS|access-date=2017-02-16}} He was released by the club only 3 games into the 2017 season.
= Saskatchewan Roughriders =
Orange signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL) on July 18, 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cfl.ca/2017/07/18/riders-sign-free-agent-cb-j-jefferson/|title=Riders sign free agent CB A.J. Jefferson|date=2017-07-18|website=CFL.ca|access-date=2017-07-20}} He was released without playing a game on September 11, 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://3downnation.com/2017/09/12/eskimos-agree-to-terms-with-db-a-j-jefferson-day-after-riders-release/|title=Eskimos agree to terms with DB A.J. Jefferson day after Riders release|first=Justin|last=Dunk|date=September 13, 2017}}
= Edmonton Eskimos =
Following multiple injuries in their defensive secondary, the Edmonton Eskimos signed Orange on September 13, 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://www.esks.com/2017/09/13/eskimos-transaction-42/|title=Eskimos Transaction|date=September 13, 2017}}
= BC Lions =
Orange signed with the BC Lions on February 13, 2018, to a one-year contract.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cfl.ca/2018/02/13/lions-ink-db-j-jefferson-2018/|title=Lions ink DB A.J. Jefferson through 2018|date=February 13, 2018}} After a rough start to the season, including a 3–6 record and Orange committing a poorly timed penalty contributing to a loss,{{Cite web|url=https://3downnation.com/2018/08/05/orange-lions-coach-seeing-red-loss-stamps/|title=Orange has Lions coach seeing red after loss to Stamps - 3DownNation|date=August 5, 2018}} Orange stepped up his play, recording a career high in tackles, as well as interceptions with 5. The Lions finished the year by going 6–3, making the playoffs, and Orange was given both divisional and league All-Star recognition.
= Edmonton Eskimos (II) =
Upon reaching free agency, Orange returned to Edmonton for the 2019 season, one of numerous marquee free agents to sign in Edmonton.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cfl.ca/2019/02/12/anthony-orange-changes-colours-signs-esks/|title=Anthony Orange changes colours; signs with Esks|date=February 12, 2019}} He was released on February 1, 2020.{{cite news |title=Esks release DB Anthony Orange |url=https://www.cfl.ca/2020/02/01/esks-release-anthony-orange/ |website=CFL.ca |date=February 1, 2020 |accessdate=February 20, 2020}}
=NFL statistics=
| class="wikitable sortable" | |||||||||||||||
| Year | Team | {{tooltip|GP|Games played}} | {{tooltip|COMB|Combined tackles}} | {{tooltip|TOTAL|Total tackles}} | {{tooltip|AST|Assisted tackles}} | {{tooltip|SACK|Sacks}} | {{tooltip|FF|Forced fumbles}} | {{tooltip|FR|Fumble recoveries}} | {{tooltip|FR YDS|Fumble return yards}} | {{tooltip|INT|Interceptions}} | {{tooltip|IR YDS|Interception return yards}} | {{tooltip|AVG IR|Average interception return}} | {{tooltip|LNG|Longest interception return}} | {{tooltip|TD|Interceptions returned for touchdown}} | {{tooltip|PD|Passes defensed}} |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | ARI | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2011 | ARI | 16 | 66 | 60 | 6 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| 2012 | MIN | 15 | 37 | 34 | 3 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 | -2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| 2013 | MIN | 10 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| class="sortbottom"
| Career | 43 | 109 | 99 | 10 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 19 |
Domestic Violence
In November 2013, Orange was arrested for felony domestic assault by strangulation.{{Cite web|author1=Michael Martinez |author2= Priscilla Riojas|title=NFL's past penalties for domestic violence|url=https://www.cnn.com/2014/09/09/us/nfl-players-domestic-violence-accusations/index.html|access-date=2020-06-23|website=CNN}} Police were called to his home early in the morning after Orange reportedly strangled his girlfriend and subsequently threw her on the floor while yelling that she had ignored his text messages.{{Cite web|last=Stromberg|first=Joseph|date=2014-09-09|title=Ray Rice was indefinitely suspended. Why weren't these players?|url=https://www.vox.com/2014/9/9/6127767/ray-rice-nfl-domestic-violence|access-date=2020-06-23|website=Vox|language=en}} Orange pleaded guilty to misdemeanor domestic assault and was sentenced to 90 days in jail, reduced to 3 days time served. Orange was released by the Minnesota Vikings on the day of his arrest but was signed by the Seattle Seahawks in May 2014 following his guilty plea.
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category|Anthony Orange}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20140407084932/http://www.gobulldogs.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/jefferson_aj00.html Fresno State Bulldogs bio]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20120918000907/http://www.vikings.com/team/roster/aj-jefferson/47e4a882-01d4-413c-b76b-40ba32d450fa/ Minnesota Vikings bio]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20100505210731/http://www.azcardinals.com/team/roster/A.J.-Jefferson/21c1ebb7-fdd2-423d-8129-4542b6c779bb Arizona Cardinals bio]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Orange, Anthony}}
Category:American football cornerbacks
Category:Canadian football defensive backs
Category:Fresno State Bulldogs football players
Category:Arizona Cardinals players
Category:Minnesota Vikings players
Category:Seattle Seahawks players
Category:Toronto Argonauts players
Category:Ottawa Redblacks players
Category:Saskatchewan Roughriders players
Category:Edmonton Elks players
Category:Players of American football from Bakersfield, California