University of Houston Athletics
Three Cougars Sign Free Agent Contracts with NFL Teams
7/27/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
July 27, 2011
40 DAYS to KICKOFF
UH vs. UCLA • Sept. 3 • 2:30 p.m. • Robertson Stadium
BUY TICKETS HERE
HOUSTON - Former University of Houston football players Loyce Means, Isaiah Thompson and Matangi Tonga all agreed to free agent contracts with NFL teams on Tuesday. Means and Thompson were both picked up by the Buffalo Bills, while Tonga signed with the Dallas Cowboys.
Tuesday was the first day that non-drafted free agents could sign with an NFL team after the league's lockout ended on Monday.
Means, a defensive back from Houston, totaled 85 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, eight interceptions and 21 passes defended in 38 games played as a Cougar. Means played in all 12 games last year as a senior, making 38 stops to go with three interceptions and six pass breakups. Means enjoyed his best game as a Cougar against No. 24 Tulsa during the 2008 season, when he picked off three passes and returned one for a touchdown in the victory.
Thompson earned Second Team All-Conference USA honors in his first season playing at offensive guard. Thompson played 31 games in the previous three years on the defensive side of the ball before making the transition, where he played a major role in Houston finishing in the top 15 nationally in scoring, total offense and passing.
"This is the opportunity of a lifetime, something I have dreamed about," said Thompson. "I'm going to make the best of this opportunity because not everyone gets this chance. I'm looking forward to representing my school, hometown, family and friends. I'm just super excited about this chance."
Tonga, a native of San Mateo, Calif., played in nine games on the defensive line last year in his only season at Houston. Tonga, who missed three games due to injury, accounted for 26 stops, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble.
