Tag: John Matocha

CFL team signs Broncos tryout QB John Matocha after Chad Kelly’s suspension

After losing Chad Kelly to a suspension, the CFL’s Argonauts are set to sign record-breaking QB John Matocha, who tried out for the Broncos.

After trying out for the Denver Broncos at rookie minicamp earlier this month, record-setting quarterback John Matocha will now get an opportunity in the Canadian Football League.

The Toronto Argonauts are set to sign Matocha, according to a report from KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis. While playing for the Colorado School of Mines (Division II), Matocha threw 162 touchdown passes in four seasons, setting an NCAA record. He also rushed for 28 scores, giving him 190 total touchdowns.

“He’s been fun to work with,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said of Matocha on May 11. “He’s sharp, he’s smart and has a lot of energy. We had him here for the local pro day that we were allowed to have, and it’s good to have him back.”

Matocha had a three-day tryout in Denver during rookie minicamp.

“[He’s been] awesome,” the QB said when asked about Payton. “Obviously, [he’s] a very smart coach and a great guy. He runs this place really well and like I said, I’m super happy to be here.”

Matocha’s tryout did not end with a contract offer from the Broncos, but he’ll now get a chance in the CFL. The Argonauts needed more depth at quarterback after losing Chad Kelly to a suspension.

Kelly was suspended for a minimum of nine games after an investigation determined that he violated the league’s gender-based violence policy. Kelly initially denied the allegations of harassing a former Argonaut coach, but his tweeted statement was deleted, and the investigation resulted in a hefty suspension.

The ex-Denver quarterback was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player in 2023. With Kelly suspended, Matocha will join a Toronto quarterback room that includes Nick Arbuckle, Cameron Dukes and Bryan Scott. The Argonauts are set to open the 2024 regular season against the BC Lions on Sunday, June 9.

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Broncos went to pro day of QB John Matocha, the NCAA’s all-time leader in TDs

The Broncos attended the Colorado Mines’ pro day which featured QB John Matocha, the NCAA’s all-time leader in passing touchdowns (162).

The Denver Broncos had scouts in attendance to watch quarterback John Matocha at the Colorado Mines’ pro day last month, according to local radio talent Miles Dunklin.

Matocha (5-11, 180 pounds) played four seasons with the Orediggers, completing 70.1% of his passes for 15,006 yards and 162 touchdowns, an NCAA record. (Mines is a small, Division II school. The Division I record is 155 touchdown passes, held by Case Keenum.)

Two other potential draft prospects at the pro day were Mines defensive linemen Kyle Bahnsen and Zach Hester. Other small-school prospects from the region also attended the pro day.

As a DII program, Mines rarely sends prospects to the NFL, but linebacker Marc Schiechl did play in the CFL and AFL after graduating from the school.

Two other Mines grads played in the NFL before the game’s modern era. Jack Colahan played tackle for the New York Yankees (the former NFL team, not the MLB club) in 1928 and Lloyd Madden played wingback and defensive back for the Chicago Cardinals in 1940.

Matocha will likely go undrafted later this month. The Broncos could be considering him as a rookie training camp invite. Matocha might also be a candidate to change positions after rushing for 1,982 yards and 28 touchdowns in college. He’s a similar size to Julian Edelman, who played quarterback in college before transitioning to wide receiver in the NFL.

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