Cameron Wake
refer to caption
Wake with the Dolphins in 2014
No. 91
Position:Defensive end
Linebacker
Personal information
Born: (1982-01-30) January 30, 1982
Beltsville, Maryland, U.S.
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:263 lb (119 kg)
Career information
High school:DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, Maryland)
College:Penn State (2000–2004)
Undrafted:2005
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
NFL
CFL
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles:364
Sacks:100.5
Forced fumbles:22
Fumble recoveries:2
Interceptions:1
Career CFL statistics
Total tackles:137
Sacks:39
Forced fumbles:8
Fumble recoveries:3
Defensive touchdowns:1
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR · CFL.ca (archive)

Derek Cameron Wake (born January 30, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive end and linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) and Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football for Penn State Nittany Lions, and was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2005.

Wake has also played for the CFL's BC Lions, earning the league's Most Outstanding Rookie Award in 2007. He recorded 39 sacks over his first two seasons in the CFL, earning Western Division All-Star honors as well as the Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award both years.

In 2009, Wake signed with the Miami Dolphins and remained with the team until 2019, when he signed with the Tennessee Titans. Throughout his career, Wake has established himself as one of the premier edge rushers in the NFL. He has been selected to five Pro Bowls (four at defensive end, one at outside linebacker), and is a four-time first or second-team All-Pro. His 98 sacks with the Dolphins rank him second all-time in club history to Pro Football Hall of Famer Jason Taylor's 131 sacks, and his 100.5 career sacks also rank second all-time as an undrafted free agent behind John Randle's 137.5.

Early years

Born in Beltsville, Maryland, Wake grew up in the suburban Washington, D.C. area and attended DeMatha High School in Hyattsville, Maryland.[1] He played high school football for the Stags during his time there.[2] During his senior season of 1999, Wake was named The Washington Post Defensive Player of the Year.[3]

College career

Following high school, Wake received an athletic scholarship to attend Pennsylvania State University, where he played for the Penn State Nittany Lions football team.[4] He played mainly as a linebacker for the Nittany Lions, but also played defensive end. Wake finished his collegiate career with 191 total tackles, 8.5 quarterback sacks, and 24 tackles for a loss.

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeight40-yard dash10-yard split20-yard split20-yard shuttleThree-cone drillVertical jumpBroad jumpBench press
6 ft 2+3⁄4 in
(1.90 m)		 236 lb
(107 kg)		 4.67 s1.68 s2.74 s4.11 s7.12 s45.5 in
(1.16 m)		10 ft 10 in
(3.30 m)		20 reps
All values from NFL Combine[5][6]

Pre-draft

Prior to the 2005 NFL Draft, Wake worked out at Penn State's Pro Day and ran a 4.55-second 40-yard dash.[7]

New York Giants

Following his college career, Wake joined the New York Giants in April 2005 but was released in June.[8]

BC Lions

Wake signed a free agent contract with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League in May 2007. Switching from linebacker to defensive end, a rejuvenated Wake had an immediate impact with the team, and was named the Defensive Player of the Week for the first week of the 2007 CFL season after an impressive debut (7 tackles, 3 quarterback sacks) in a 24–22 Lions' victory over the Toronto Argonauts.[9]

Wake finished the 2007 season with a league-best 16 sacks and had the only blocked field goal in the CFL that season.[10] He racked up 72 tackles on his way to becoming the first player in CFL history to be named Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season.[11]

In 2008, Wake once again led the CFL in sacks (with 23) on his way to another CFL All-Star team selection, a second consecutive Norm Fieldgate Trophy, and he was a unanimous nomination for the CFL's 2008 Most Outstanding Defensive Player award.[12] In 2008, Wake was also named TSN's Friday Night Gladiator of the Year, the first defensive player to win the award.[13]

He was named to The Washington Examiner's CFL All-Decade Team for 2000–2009.[14]

Miami Dolphins

"I wanted to eliminate all the fluff. It wasn't about whoever offered the biggest deal. It was about the coaching staffs, the opportunity, the organizations. Miami put themselves above the others in those things."

Cameron Wake, January 2009[15]

At the end of the 2008 CFL season, Wake drew interest from several NFL teams, including the Miami Dolphins, St. Louis Rams, New Orleans Saints, Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings. He worked out for the Dolphins on January 15, 2009.[16]

After receiving interest from 17 total NFL teams and working out for eight, Wake signed with the Dolphins on January 18, 2009.[7] The four-year deal included a $1 million signing bonus and had a potential value of $4.9 million.[7] Wake started the first game of his NFL career during the 2009 season against the Bills in Week 4 and responded with two sacks, four tackles for a loss, and a forced fumble.[17]

During the 2010 season, Wake had a memorable Week 6 against the Green Bay Packers. He had three sacks, including one on third down in overtime, bringing his total to six sacks in five games, already surpassing his total the previous year of 5½ sacks with limited playing time. He ended a game against the Jets with a sack on quarterback Mark Sanchez completing his second of the game. Wake would lead the NFL in sacks at one point and eventually finish third in the NFL (second in the AFC) in sacks. By the end of the season, Wake had recorded 14 sacks, 57 tackles, and three forced fumbles.[18]

Wake was named a starter for the 2011 AFC Pro Bowl team at outside linebacker.[19] Wake was also named to The Sporting News 2010 All-Pro Team and AP's Second All-Pro team.[20] He was 3rd in the league with 52 quarterback pressures, behind only Chris Long and Julius Peppers.

On May 5, 2012 Wake signed a four-year contract extension with the Dolphins reported to be worth a total of $49 million, $20 million of which was guaranteed.[21]

After being moved from outside linebacker to defensive end for the 2012 season, Wake had arguably his best season in the NFL. He totaled 53 tackles and 15 sacks, including 4.5 sacks in one game against the Arizona Cardinals. That season, Wake was named a starter for the Pro Bowl for the second time and, together with Randy Starks, became the first of two Dolphins to make the Pro Bowl at two different positions. He was also named a First-team All-Pro by both the AP and the PFWA for the first time in his career.

Wake earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his performance against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 9 of the 2013 season, racking up five tackles, three sacks, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits and a safety in the Dolphins’ 22–20 overtime victory.[22] Wake sacked Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton in overtime for a safety to end the game, giving the Dolphins a 22–20 victory. It was only the third game in NFL history to end with an overtime safety.[23] He ended the season with 8.5 sacks and another Pro Bowl selection.[24][25]

After an unproductive start to the 2015 season, in which the Dolphins were 1–3 and Wake had one tackle, head coach Joe Philbin was fired and replaced with tight ends coach Dan Campbell. Wake returned to his dominant form, recording six sacks and four forced fumbles in a two-week span, which were both wins against the Titans and Texans. In a game against the Patriots, Wake notched his seventh sack, which put him in second place on the NFL leaderboard, but he was also injured and carried off the field on a later play. On October 30, 2015, NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported, due to an Achilles injury, that Wake was out for the rest of the 2015 NFL season.[26]

Wake had a bounce-back season in 2016 after the Achilles injury in 2015. On December 17, 2016, Wake got his first career interception by picking off Jets quarterback Bryce Petty. He finished the season with 11.5 sacks, was named to his fifth Pro Bowl and was second-team All-Pro.[27] He was also ranked 62nd on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.[28]

On February 18, 2017, Wake signed a two-year contract extension with the Dolphins through the 2018 season, worth up to $18 million.[29][30]

In the 2017 season, Wake started all 16 games, recording 36 combined tackles and 10.5 sacks.[31] He was ranked 74th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018.[32]

In the 2018 season, Wake appeared in and started 14 games. He finished with 6.5 sacks, 36 total tackles, one pass defended, and one forced fumble.[33]

Tennessee Titans

On March 13, 2019, Wake signed a three-year, $23 million contract with the Tennessee Titans.[34]

In the season-opener against the Cleveland Browns, Wake sacked Baker Mayfield 2.5 times, putting him in the 100 sacks club.[35] One of his sacks resulted in a safety and his effort helped lead the Titans to a 43–13 win.[36] He was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance.[37] On November 26, 2019, Wake was placed on injured reserve.[38] He played in nine games in the 2019 season.[39]

On March 12, 2020, Wake was released by the Titans.[40]

Career statistics

CFL statistics

Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GPGSCmbSckPDIntYdsAvgLngTDFFFRYdsTD
2007BC 18187216.00000.0003000
2008BC 18186523.00000.00053451
Total363613739.00000.00083451

NFL statistics

Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GPGSCmbSoloAstSckPDIntYdsAvgLngTDFFFRYds
2009MIA 141231945.51000.000100
2010MIA 16165748914.04000.000300
2011MIA 1614423758.53000.000000
2012MIA 161653381515.01000.000300
2013MIA 1515423758.50000.000210
2014MIA 16163832611.53000.000310
2015MIA 779727.01000.000400
2016MIA 16112922711.5211212.0120500
2017MIA 161636281010.50000.000000
2018MIA 14143621156.01000.000100
2019TEN 904312.51000.000100
Total15512636428282100.51711212.01202220

References

  1. ↑ Zanke, Susan (September 23, 2015). "Dolphins All-Pro Cameron Wake was known by different name at DeMatha Catholic". USA TODAY High School Sports. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  2. ↑ "Cameron Wake, DeMatha Catholic , Weak-Side Defensive End". 247sports.com. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  3. ↑ "FALL ALL-MET". Washington Post. December 16, 1999. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  4. ↑ Abruzzese, David (December 2, 2014). "Cameron Wake's Journey To The NFL". Onward State. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  5. ↑ "2005 Draft Scout Cameron Wake, Penn State NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile". draftscout.com. Retrieved June 15, 2022.
  6. ↑ "Derek Wake 2005 NFL Draft Profile". insider.espn.com. Retrieved June 15, 2022.
  7. 1 2 3 "Dolphins import pass rusher Wake from CFL". NFL.com. January 18, 2009.
  8. ↑ Walker, James (August 31, 2013). "Cameron Wake reflects on release by Giants". ESPN.com. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  9. ↑ "Lions Cameron Wake Defensive Player of the Week". BCLions.com. July 4, 2007. Retrieved July 24, 2007.
  10. ↑ "Outstanding Performances in 2007". bclions.com. February 4, 2008. Retrieved February 20, 2008.
  11. ↑ Bodani, Frank (February 18, 2008). "Wake finds his potential as B.C. Lion". The Evening Sun. Archived from the original on September 19, 2008. Retrieved February 20, 2008.
  12. ↑ "CFL team-by-team individual awards nominees". The Canadian Press. October 28, 2008. Retrieved October 29, 2008.
  13. ↑ "Lions' Wake Named TSN's Friday Night Gladiator of the Year". TSN. November 22, 2008.
  14. ↑ Hamelin, Jonathan (January 2, 2010). "The CFL All-Decade Team". The Washington Examiner.
  15. ↑ Salguero, Armando (January 19, 2009). "Cameron Wake: 'I know I can play' in the NFL". Herald.com. Retrieved January 19, 2009.
  16. ↑ Thompson, Edgar (January 15, 2009). "CFL Stud Cameron Wake Works out for Dolphins". The Palm Beach Post. Archived from the original on January 19, 2009.
  17. ↑ "Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins - October 4th, 2009". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  18. ↑ "Cameron Wake 2010 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  19. ↑ "Jake Long, Cameron Wake Named Pro Bowl Starters". Miami Dolphins. December 28, 2010. Archived from the original on December 31, 2010.
  20. ↑ "2010 NFL All-Pros". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  21. ↑ La Canfora, Jason (May 6, 2012). "Miami Dolphins, Cameron Wake agree to four-year extension". NFL.com. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  22. ↑ "Cameron Wake Named AFC Defensive Player Of The Week". Miami Dolphins. November 6, 2013. Archived from the original on February 19, 2017.
  23. ↑ "Wake Sacks Dalton For Safety In OT, Dolphins Top Bengals". TSN. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
  24. ↑ "Cameron Wake 2013 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  25. ↑ "2013 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  26. ↑ Walker, James (January 1, 2015). "Cameron Wake of Miami Dolphins out with Achilles injury". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
  27. ↑ "Cameron Wake 2016 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  28. ↑ "2017 NFL Top 100". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  29. ↑ "Dolphins Sign Wake To Contract Extension". MiamiDolphins.com. February 18, 2017. Archived from the original on December 12, 2017.
  30. ↑ Hagemann, Andie (February 18, 2017). "Dolphins sign Cameron Wake to two-year contract". NFL.com.
  31. ↑ "Cameron Wake 2017 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  32. ↑ "2018 NFL Top 100". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  33. ↑ "Cameron Wake 2018 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  34. ↑ Gordon, Grant (March 12, 2019). "Cameron Wake leaving Dolphins to join Titans". NFL.com. Archived from the original on April 18, 2019. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  35. ↑ Bacharach, Erik (September 8, 2019). "Titans signed Cameron Wake to bolster a non-existent pass rush. He did just that vs. Browns". The Tennessean. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  36. ↑ "Mariota, Titans sack Mayfield, hyped Browns 43–13 in opener". www.espn.com. Associated Press. September 8, 2019. Retrieved September 8, 2019.
  37. ↑ "Lamar Jackson, Dak Prescott among Players of the Week". NFL.com. September 11, 2019. Archived from the original on September 16, 2019. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  38. ↑ Wyatt, Jim (November 26, 2019). "Titans Promote OLB Derick Roberson, DB Kareem Orr to 53-Man Roster; Place OLB Cameron Wake, DB Chris Milton on Injured Reserve". TitansOnline.com. Retrieved November 26, 2019.
  39. ↑ "Cameron Wake 2019 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  40. ↑ Wyatt, Jim (March 12, 2020). "Titans Release OLB Cameron Wake and RB Dion Lewis". TitansOnline.com. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
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