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Top 10 NFL players who got their start in the CFL

10. Mervyn Fernandez

Fernandez is actually one of two San Jose State alums on this list, and became a 10th-round pick of the Los Angeles Raiders following his time there. However, Fernandez instead decided to join the BC Lions of the CFL in 1982, and posted a 1,000-yard receiving season, a feat he would accomplish again in both 1983 and 1984. In 1985, Fernandez had his best year in the CFL, as he was named the league’s Most Outstanding Player while racking up 95 catches for 1,727 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also helped the Lions to a Grey Cup that season. After one more season in the CFL in 1986, Fernandez made the transition to the NFL.

There, he joined Al Davis’ Raiders, but never quite lived up to what he did in the CFL. Yet, he was still solid, posting 3,764 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns across his six years in the NFL. His best season came in 1989 as he racked up 57 catches for 1,069 yards and nine touchdowns, each of which were career highs. Fernandez actually returned to the CFL to play for the BC Lions once again in 1994, but would produce only a modest 282 yards in his final year of professional football.

Mervyn Fernandez Los Angeles Raiders NFL BC Lions CFL
Mervyn Fernandez played in the CFL with the BC Lions before and after his time with the Los Angeles Raiders. (Credit: Long Photography-USA TODAY Sports)
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