Haddad Inks Contract With Chargers

Drew Haddad

BUFFALO, NY - Former University at Buffalo receiver Drew Haddad (Cleveland, OH/St. Ignatius) got an early Christmas present when he inked a contract for the remainder of the season with the NFL's San Diego Chargers.

Haddad, who was released during the last day of cuts by the Buffalo Bills in August, returns to the NFL with a Chargers team that is 9-5 and in the hunt for a playoff slot after a crucial win against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. He is listed third on the Chargers' depth chart for Saturday's 1:00 pm game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Haddad, a two-time Football Gazette honorable mention All-American, was a standout receiver during his career in Buffalo. A freshman on the 1996 team that finished 27th in the nation in Division I-AA under head coach Craig Cirbus, Haddad went on to lead the team in its transition to the Mid-American Conference, hoisting hefty numbers in each of his final three seasons.

Haddad had more than 100 yards receiving 18 times in his collegiate career, including three of the top five single-game performances in school history. He also still holds the school record for receptions (85) and yards (1,158) in a season, both set in 1999, Buffalo's first year in the MAC. He also holds career records for receptions (240), yards (3,409) and all-purpose yards (105 rushing, 3,409 receiving, 519 kick returns, 735 punt returns).

His career in the pros has been a nomadic experience, as Haddad was drafted in 2000 by Buffalo and spent much of the year on the practice squad before being waived in November of that season. He was picked up the Indianapolis Colts and after an injury in 2001, he saw action in one game in 2002 against Tennesee, picking up one catch for 11 yards and returning two kickoff 10 yards. He spent 2003 in the NFL Europe, making 28 catches for 455 yards and earning another chance with Buffalo, who signed him to the practice squad for much of 2004.