Hamilton (February 17, 2009) – The Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL) announced Tuesday that they have signed former Queen's football player Matt Kirk to a free-agent contract.

Kirk, a six-foot-four, 265-pound native of Kingston, Ont., has spent the last three CFL seasons with B.C. and won a Grey Cup with the Lions in 2006 after playing one season with the Ottawa Renegades.

"Matt has been a steady Canadian defensive lineman throughout his career," said Ticats general manager Bob O'Billovich in a news release. "Matt's experience, character and pass rushing skills make him a quality addition to our roster."

Kirk played with the Gaels from 2001-2004 finishing his career as a starting defensive end. He has his best season in a Queen's uniform during the 2003 campaign where he captured the J.P. Metras Trophy as OUA Lineman of the year. He also secured a OUA first team All-Star and second team All-Canadian honours.

To date in his career, Kirk has 17 defensive tackles, 15 special teams tackles and one forced fumble in 72 career regular games.

Ottawa drafted him in the fifth round (38th overall) of the 2004 CFL draft. He then was drafted in the Ottawa dispersal draft by the B.C. Lions.