EASTON, Pa. - Billy Shaeffer '23, an All-American who helped guide the Leopards to a Patriot League title in 2023, has signed with the Canadian Football League's (CFL) Toronto Argonauts.

Shaeffer was a mainstay of the Leopards' defensive unit, playing linebacker and long snapper for much of his career from 2018 to 2023. His best season with Lafayette came in his fifth year when the Warrington, Pa. native amassed a team-leading 83 tackles and Patriot League-best 21.5 tackles for loss. He also rang up 10 sacks and five forced fumbles, good for 10th and third in the nation, respectively. 

In that 2023 season, Shaeffer was recognized with a multitude of accolades, including Stats Perform All-America First-Team, Associated Press All-America Second-Team, All-Patriot League First-Team and Lafayette's Defensive MVP. He was also named as one of three finalists for the Buck Buchanan Award, given to the FCS defensive player of the year. After graduation, Shaeffer participated in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie minicamp.

The CFL has produced numerous NFL players, including Hall of Fame quarterbacks Warren Moon and Joe Theismann, with the Argonauts claiming Theismann and Doug Flutie among their alumni. Toronto is one of the most successful teams in CFL history, appearing in the Grey Cup 25 times and winning the championship game a record 19 times, with their most recent championship coming in November. The Argonauts will look to defend their title when the 2025 CFL season kicks off in June.