Former Blue Devils Sign Free Agent NFL Contracts

April 26, 2004

DURHAM, N.C. - Four former Duke football players -- Chris Douglas (New York Giants), Ryan Fowler (Dallas Cowboys), Alex Wade (Cincinnati Bengals) and Matt Zielinski (Baltimore Ravens) -- have signed free agent contracts with respective NFL organizations.

Douglas, a 6-0, 190-pound tailback from Sherrills Ford, N.C., who signed with the New York Giants, ranks first in Duke history in both career rushing yards (3,122) and all-purpose yards (5,655). As a senior in 2004, he picked up 1,138 yards on the ground en route to earning First Team All-ACC honors. In addition, Douglas became just the third player in ACC history to rush for 500+ yards and catch 20+ passes in four consecutive seasons.

Ryan Fowler

Fowler, a 6-4, 240-pound linebacker from Redington Shores, Fla., inked with the Dallas Cowboys after leading the Blue Devils in tackles in three seasons and twice receiving All-ACC recognition with honorable mention honors as a junior and second team accolades following his senior year. The two-year team captain ranks third on Duke's career tackle list with 495 and second in tackles for loss with 47.5.

Alex Wade

Wade, a 6-1, 255-pound fullback from Newtown, Pa., joined the Cincinnati Bengals having ended his Blue Devil career with 1,546 rushing yards. As a junior, Wade rushed for 979 yards, matched a Duke single-season record with six 100-yard rushing games and received Second Team All-ACC accolades.

Matt Zielinski

Zielinski, a 6-2, 300-pound defensive tackle from East Amherst, N.Y., signed with the Baltimore Ravens. He earned First Team All-ACC honors in 2003 after totalling 75 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and seven quarterback sacks. A three-time recipient of Duke's Outstanding Defensive Lineman Award, Zielinski finished his Duke career ranking third in career tackles for loss (41.5) and tied for seventh in sacks (12.0).

Former Blue Devils Sign Free Agent NFL Contracts

Duke information