Follow us 
Stamps Insider
| Height: 6.04 | Born: Edmonton, AB |
| Weight: 315 | College: Weber State |
| Birthdate: 1985-09-26 | Years: 5 CGY / 5 CFL |
| Status: Non-Import |
Calgary selected Tsoumpas in the first round (second overall) of the 2008 CFL Canadian Draft and signed him on May 1, 2008. The Edmonton native was chosen with a pick acquired in a draft-day trade with the Eskimos. He attended training camp with the National Football League’s Miami Dolphins in 2010 before rejoining the Stampeders.
After missing the first two games of the season with a hamstring injury, Tsoumpas returned to action on July 14 against Winnipeg and started the final 16 regular-season games as well as the West Division semifinal at right guard. He earned West Division, CFL and CFLPA all-star honours for his efforts. His second game of the season — a July 23 contest against Edmonton — was the 50th of his professional career. Tsoumpas helped the Stamps offence finish second in the league with 2,244 rushing yards, third in passing yards (5,033) and tied for second in fewest sacks allowed (34).
After attending training camp with the National Football League’s Miami Dolphins, Tsoumpas rejoined the Stampeders in August and made his season debut on Aug. 7 against the BC Lions. He made every start the rest of the way, including the West final, at right guard and earned West Division and CFL all-star recognition. Tsoumpas was part of an offensive line that paved the way for the league’s most proficient running game and provided excellent protection for the league’s second-ranked passing attack. The Stamps led the league in rushing yards per game (145.4), rushing first downs (162) and allowed the second-fewest sacks (30).
For the second time in as many seasons, Tsoumpas was the starter at right guard for Calgary for all 18 regular-season games and two playoff contests. He and left tackle Ben Archibald were the only two Stampeders offensive linemen to start every game in 2009. Tsoumpas was named a West Division all-star and was Calgary’s nominee for the Most Oustanding Canadian award. He was part of an offensive line that allowed the Stampeders to rank second in offensive yards from scrimmage. Calgary was first in rushing offence and running back Joffrey Reynolds won his second consecutive league rushing title.
Exceptionally advanced for a rookie straight out of college, Tsoumpas was a starter at right guard for all 18 regular-season games as well as for the West final and the Grey Cup. He joined fellow 2008 draftee Jesse Newman as part of Calgary’s all-rookie tandem at guard. Instead of getting fatigued and tailing off at the end of the gruelling 18-game pro season, Tsoumpas actually grew stronger in the second half. He was a pillar in the Stamps offensive line that was among the league leaders in average rushing yards per game (134.6), average rushing yards per carry (6.4) and fewest sacks allowed (30), which helped to pave the way for the CFL’s leading rusher Joffrey Reynolds (1,310 yards). Tsoumpas started both playoff games and helped to block for 117 rushing yards in the Grey Cup contest against Montreal. He was the Stampeders nominee for the CFL’s outstanding rookie award.
Tsoumpas started every game during his senior season for the Weber State Wildcats and was selected to the 2007 Big Sky Conference Second Team. He was a key contributor on a Wildcats offensive line that allowed the fewest quarterback sacks in the conference. He helped anchor the right side of the offensive line that helped running back Trevyn Smith lead the BSC in rushing for the second consecutive year. Joined Weber State as a true freshman and was part of the starting lineup until sidelined by injury. Earned Honourable Mention All-Big Sky Conference honours in 2006.
Tsoumpas, who resides in Calgary year-round, is the Stampeders’ spokesman for CUPS Health and Education Centres. He is the second player selected by the Stamps from Weber State, joining former offensive lineman Bruce Covernton. He was part of three straight city championship teams for Edmonton’s Strathcona Composite high school.
