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Friday, July 31, 2009

LIONS SIGN ROOKIE TE BRANDON PETTIGREW TO FIVE-YEAR DEAL

Allen Park, Mich.-The Detroit Lions announced today that they have signed rookie TE Brandon Pettigrew to a five-year deal. Additional terms of Pettigrew's contract were not disclosed.

Pettigrew was drafted by Detroit with their second selection of the first round (20th overall) in the 2009 NFL Draft.

In other roster moves, the team released rookie free agent LB Spenser Smith (Eastern Michigan).

COLLEGE: Regarded by many as the most complete tight end to enter the 2009 NFL Draft draft, the Lions selected Pettigrew in the first round (20th overall) to become just the second tight end in school history to hear his name called in the first round of the draft, joining Reuben Gant (1974, Buffalo). Pettigrew ended his collegiate career ranked ninth overall on the school’s receiving yardage record list with 1,450 and averaged more than 54 knockdown blocks per season for the Cowboys. Pettigrew has not only proven to be a clutch short-area receiver, but an outstanding blocker. A physical open-field runner, he has gained more than 40 percent of his yardage after the catch. He also proved to be an excellent pass catcher, becoming the first tight end in school history to amass more than 100 receptions (112) in a career. Pettigrew enrolled at Oklahoma State in 2004, spending the season as a red-shirt after turning down offers from Texas A&M, Texas Christian, Southern Methodist and Arkansas. In 2005, he started nine games, including the last seven, for the Cowboys. He gained 128 yards with a touchdown on 11 catches (11.6 avg). He delivered 30 knockdowns and also recorded a solo tackle.

2008:Had just eleven receptions through the team’s first seven games, but finished with a career-high 42 catches for 472 yards (11.2 avg), despite not finding the end zone. 23 of his receptions produced first downs (54.76%), as he converted 4-of-9 third-down (44.44%) and 1-of-2 fourth-down plays.

All-American Dream Team and All-Big Twelve Conference selection by The NFL Draft Report.
Rated the best tight end prospect in the country by that scouting information service.
Finalist for John Mackey Award, given to nation’s top tight end.
Three of his catches were for 20 yards or longer, as he also had key receptions to set up five scoring drives.
11 catches came in red zone, including eight on goal-line plays.
43 knockdowns, including eight touchdown-resulting blocks.
2007: Started all thirteen games, ranking third on the team with 35 receptions for 540 yards (15.4 avg) and four touchdowns. Added one solo tackle in the Oklahoma clash and led the conference’s tight ends. Also paced the Cowboys with ten touchdown-resulting blocks, as his 72 knockdowns were a league-high for tight ends.

All-Big Twelve Conference first-team selection.
2006: Started all thirteen games, ranking third on the team with 24 receptions for 310 yards (12.9 avg), including four touchdowns. Also recorded six tackles (3 solos) and recovered a fumble. Registered 71 knockdowns that included eight touchdown-resulting blocks.

All-Big Twelve Conference honorable mention.
2005: Played in every game, starting nine contests, including the final seven. Finished fifth on the team with eleven receptions for 128 yards (11.6 avg).

Scored his only touchdown on a 3-yard reception vs. Baylor.
Posted 30 knockdowns and four touchdown-resulting blocks.
2004: Redshirted as a freshman.

NOTES OF INTEREST
- Attended Robert E. Lee (Tyler, Tex.) High School, earning All-State honors in 2003.
- Despite playing primarily as a blocker, he was rated as the best tight end in Texas by numerous recruiting services.
- The All-District and All-East Texas choice also competed on the defensive line.
- Son of Elaine and Henry Pettigrew. Born February 23, 1985.
- Resides in Tyler, Texas.
- Was an education major at Oklahoma State.
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