MEDIA RELEASE | Elks extend Martez Ivey, sign Jonathan Kongbo

Ivey was named to the West Division All-CFL Team in 2024

EDMONTON — The trenches in Edmonton just got a little bit deeper.

American offensive lineman Martez Ivey has signed a two-year extension, the Elks announced on Monday. In addition, the club has signed national defensive lineman Jonathan Kongbo.

Ivey is back for his fourth season with the Elks after being named the team’s Most Outstanding Lineman in both 2023 and 2024. The 6-foot-6 tackle out of Florida has emerged as one of the game’s best blockers, helping pave the way for an Elks rush offence that was the best in the league.

Edmonton led the CFL in rushing yards (2,365), yards per carry (6.2), while also allowing the fewest sacks (29) in the league. The 29-year-old lineman played a big part in the club’s success, getting named to the CFL’s PFF Honour Roll in Week 10 and 14, while also being named to the West Division All-CFL team in 2024.

Kongbo lines up for the Tiger-Cats in 2023 \ Photo Courtesy: Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Kongbo lines up for the Tiger-Cats in 2023 \ Photo Courtesy: Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Kongbo joins the Elks after taking last season off, but most recently suited up for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2023. The former first-round pick (5th overall) in the 2019 CFL Draft played all 18 games for the Ti-Cats in 2023, recording 15 tackles and three special teams tackles. The Tennessee Volunteers alum was a member of the Denver Broncos in 2022, where he dressed for four games and recorded a sack in an NFL preseason against the Dallas Cowboys.

The 28-year-old was originally selected by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, where he spent the 2019 and 2021 season. In two seasons with Winnipeg, Kongbo suited up for 13 games where he recorded 28 defensive tackles and three sacks. The six-foot-four defender also spent time with the San Francisco 49ers during the 2020 season.


TRANSACTIONS

EXTENDED

SIGNED


EDMONTON ELKS

The Edmonton Elks are proud members of the Canadian Football League, playing their home games at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta.

The club, officially renamed the Elks in June of 2021, has a tradition of excellence having won 14 Grey Cup championships (1954-56, 1975, 1978-82, 1987, 1993, 2003, 2005, 2015). Since its founding, the club remains focused on providing outstanding football memories for Edmonton and all of Northern Alberta.

Elks Football… Always Edmonton

Michael Arcuri

Michael Arcuri

Manager, Football Communications and Player Relations, Edmonton Elks Football Club

 

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About The Edmonton Elks Football Club

The Edmonton Elks are proud members of the Canadian Football League, playing their home games at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta. 

The club has a tradition of excellence with 14 Grey Cup championships (1954-56, 1975, 1978-82, 1987, 1993, 2003, 2005, 2015) and 52 members of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. Since its founding, the club has been community-owned and remains focused on providing outstanding football memories for Edmonton and all of Northern Alberta.

Contact

Commonwealth Stadium 11000 Stadium Road Edmonton, AB T5H 4E2

goelks.com