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Mustafa Johnson finds more than a home in Montreal
Mustafa Johnson
Montreal Alouettes defensive lineman Mustafa Johnson (94) chases Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly (12) as he's flushed out of the pocket before throwing an interception during the second half of a CFL Eastern Division final football game in Toronto on Nov. 11, 2023 (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP).

2017 Turlock High School graduate Mustafa Johnson is making a name for himself north of the border.

After not being selected in the 2021 NFL Draft out of the University of Colorado and with limited options following his senior season later that year, the defensive lineman agreed to terms in July of 2022 to continue his football career for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. After two years in the CFL, Johnson has been recognized as an All-Star, helped Montreal win the 2023 Grey Cup, and on Monday, earned himself a new, two-year extension with the defending champions.

“I am glad to be back with the Alouettes,” Johnson said in a statement through the team. “I feel like Montreal is my home and I appreciate the confidence that the team puts in me.”

In 18 regular season games this past season, the six-foot-two, 290-pounder amassed 43 defensive tackles, seven sacks and recovered a fumble for a touchdown, helping the Alouettes to an 11-7 record and earning himself East Division All-Star honors. He had four tackles in the Eastern Division playoffs.

In the 110th Grey Cup against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Nov. 17 at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, ON, Johnson helped muscle the Alouettes to a 28-24 come-from-behind victory with three tackles and a sack. It was Montreal’s eighth Grey Cup in franchise history and their first since 2010.

Johnson will now be under contract with the Alouettes until the end of the 2025 season following Monday’s deal. The terms of the contract are not yet known. 

“I look forward to working with the team to win another championship,” the former Bulldog said. “There is a lot of talent in this locker room.”