Rick Zamperin
6/9/2012
Avon Cobourne is officially back with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The running back practiced for the first time this morning after re-signing with the team Friday.
Cobourne says he feels good physically and says it doesn't feel awkward being back with the Ticats.
He has been brought in to replace running back Martell Mallet, who suffered a torn Achilles at practice on Thursday morning.
The team called Cobourne that afternoon and have reportedly made him the highest paid tailback in the league, as he was last year.
Cobourne says depending on how his body feels, the 2012 CFL season will "probably" be his last in the league.
But he adds that he wants to finish the season by winning the last game of the year, that being the 100th Grey Cup in Toronto.
The West Virginia product says it was rather easy getting his old #22 back from defensive back Clem Johnson, who has since switched to #38.
Cobourne says it was one of the first questions his wife Rebecca asked him, "what number will you wear?"
They both checked out the roster at Ticats.ca and found that #22 was taken.
Cobourne's wife suggested wearing #3, "because that's her favourite number and she says God always works in threes," but #3 belongs to defensive back Marc Beswick.
Cobourne also considered #6, which he sported in Montreal and is worn by Ticats kicker Josh Maveety, before receiving #22 from Johnson.
The 33-year-old Cobourne led the Cats with 961 rushing yards last season and scored eight touchdowns, while adding 50 receptions for 459 yards.
He was released by Hamilton in January and was selling insurance in Florida.
The Ticats open the CFL pre-season on Wednesday night at 7pm when they host the Toronto Argonauts at Ivor Wynne Stadium.
Click below to listen to Avon Cobourne speak to the media following his first practice Saturday morning.
This is Avon Cobourne's first touch at practice Saturday morning following his return to the Tiger-Cats.
Avon Cobourne announces his return to Hamilton on www.avoncobourne.com.
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