Reggie Givens

Reggie Givens

No. 59, 58
Date of birth	(1971-10-03) October 3, 1971
Place of birth	Emporia, Virginia
Career information
Status	Retired
CFL status	International
Position(s)	LB
College	Penn State
NFL draft	1993 / Round: 8 / Pick: 213
Drafted by	Dallas Cowboys
Career history
As player
1994–1995	Baltimore Stallions
1996–1997	Toronto Argonauts
1998–1999	San Francisco 49ers
2000	Washington Redskins
CFL East All-Star	1996
Career stats
Playing stats at NFL.com Playing stats at DatabaseFootball.com

Reginald Alonzo Givens (born October 3, 1971 in Emporia, Virginia) is a former American football linebacker in both the Canadian Football League and National Football League for the Baltimore Stallions, Toronto Argonauts, San Francisco 49ers and the Washington Redskins. He played college football at Penn State University.

Early years

Givens attended Sussex Central High School, where he was an All-American and Virginia's high school defensive player of the year in 1988.

He accepted a scholarship from Penn State University and became a starter at outside linebacker as a true freshman, which was a difficult achievement in a Joe Paterno coached team. What he lacked in size, he compensated with his speed and instincts. As a sophomore he recorded 47 tackles and two sacks.

He was named the MVP of the 1992 Fiesta Bowl, after registering two crucial turnovers, including a fumble return for a touchdown.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Givens was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the eighth round (213th overall) of the 1993 NFL Draft. Because of his size and speed, he was tried both at linebacker and safety before being waived on August 30.

Chicago Bears

In 1994, he was signed by the Chicago Bears, before being released on August 18.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL)

In 1994, he signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He was released the next year.

Baltimore Stallions (CFL)

On August 9, 1995, he was signed by the Baltimore Stallions of the Canadian Football League. He was the backup of middle linebacker O. J. Brigance and was a part of the team that won the Grey Cup that season.

Toronto Argonauts (CFL)

In 1996 he signed with the Toronto Argonauts, where he played at linebacker and rush end. He won two straight Grey Cups with the team. His 182 fumble recovery yards in 1997, was a CFL single season record.

San Francisco 49ers

In 1998 he signed with the San Francisco 49ers, where he was voted as a special teams captain in the two seasons he played with the club.

Washington Redskins

Givens signed as a free agent with the Washington Redskins on April 13, 2000. He was cut on November 9.

Toronto Argonauts (CFL)

On July 29, 2002, he signed with the Toronto Argonauts. He was released the next year.

Ottawa Renegades (CFL)

The Ottawa Renegades convinced Givens to come out of retirement to play for them in 2004. He was released on March 30, 2005.

Personal life

Givens is a fitness and wellness coach with his own company Blitz Mobile Fitness. He is also a real estate broker.