Kojo Aidoo

{{Short description|Former Canadian football player (born 1978)}} {{good article}} {{Infobox CFL biography | name = Kojo Aidoo | position1 = Fullback | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1978|11|27}} | birth_place = Kumasi, Ghana | death_date = | death_place = | number = | CIS = McMaster | high_school = St. Ignatius of Loyola C.S.S. | height_ft = 6 | height_in = 0 | weight_lbs = 240 | CFLDraftedYear = 2003 | CFLDraftedRound = 2 | CFLDraftedPick = 10 | playing_years1 = {{CFL Year|2003}} | playing_team1 = Edmonton Eskimos | playing_years2 = {{CFL Year|2003}} | playing_team2 = Winnipeg Blue Bombers | playing_years3 = {{CFL Year|2004}}–{{CFL Year|2006}} | playing_team3 = Hamilton Tiger-Cats | playing_years4 = {{CFL Year|2007}} | playing_team4 = Toronto Argonauts | career_highlights = * Hec Crighton Trophy (2000) * Lois and Doug Mitchell Award (2001) * Peter Gorman Trophy (1998) }}

'''Kojo Aidoo''' (born November 27, 1978) is a Ghanaian former professional Canadian football player. A fullback and special teams specialist, he played for the Edmonton Eskimos, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League (CFL) from 2003 to 2007.

Originally from Ghana, Aidoo played college football for the McMaster Marauders from 1998 to 2002. Aidoo was most successful during the 2000 season, when he broke conference records for rushing yards and touchdowns. His performance earned him the Hec Crighton Trophy as the most outstanding university football player in Canada, and he was honored with numerous other accolades. After breaking his right leg while filming ''Brian's Song'', Aidoo missed most of his final two seasons with the Marauders.

The Edmonton Eskimos selected Aidoo in the second round of the 2003 CFL draft. He went on to play for four CFL teams, spending the most time with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. With the Tiger-Cats, Aidoo primarily played on special teams. He also occasionally started at fullback and served as a back-up for other players in the backfield. He retired from the CFL after playing in 60 regular season games and recording 20 special team tackles.

== Early life == Aidoo was a multi-sport athlete at St. Ignatius of Loyola High School, playing Canadian football, soccer, track and field, and basketball. With the track and field team, he was twice named most valuable player,<ref name="spectator1997a">{{cite news|title=High school athletes of the year|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=June 14, 1997|page=N12}}</ref> participating in events including the 110 metres hurdles, shot put, and javelin.<ref name="spectator1997b">{{cite news|title=High School Track and Field Results|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=May 26, 1997|page=S21}}</ref> Aidoo played on the Loyola Hawks football team from 1995 to 1997,<ref name="spectator1995a">{{cite news|last1=Moko|first1=Larry|title=Crusaders defy predictions: Assumption team defeats Loyola Hawks for championship berth against Nelson|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=November 18, 1995|page=T6}}</ref> and he ruptured his spleen during a playoff game in 1996.<ref name="spectator1996a">{{cite news|last1=Moto|first1=Larry|title=South African hosts lead golf World Cup; Nelson, MMR in final; Happy end to 'nightmare day'|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=November 22, 1996|page=C9}}</ref> Despite this, Aidoo increasingly focused on football, eventually leaving the track and field team in his final year.<ref name="spectator1998a">{{cite news|title=Best athletes aiming higher: Halton's high school performers set sights on more achievement|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=June 17, 1998|page=N8}}</ref> In 1997, he played for the Oakville-Burlington Invictas of the Great Lakes Football League, a junior football league. Aidoo played a major role on the Invictas, including rushing for 165 yards and two touchdowns on only 11 carries against the Essex Ravens.<ref name="spectator1997c">{{cite news|last1=Moko|first1=Larry|title=Great Lakes tidal wave: Four more teams join flourishing league|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=June 26, 1997|page=N11}}</ref> Returning to his high school football team in the fall, Aidoo helped the Hawks reach the Halton final in 1997.<ref name="spectator1998a" /> In both of his final two years at Loyola, he was selected as the High School Athlete of the Year.<ref name="spectator1997a" /><ref name="spectator1998a" />

== College career == According to McMaster Head Coach Greg Marshall, Aidoo was "one of the most recruited backs in Ontario".<ref name="spectator1998b"/> Marshall competed with Acadia University in his attempts to recruit Aidoo to the McMaster Marauders. After visiting Acadia, Aidoo decided to attend McMaster primarily due to its proximity to his hometown.<ref name="spectator1998b">{{cite news|last1=Phillips|first1=Carol|title=A bumper crop of rookies: Recruiting drive at Mac paying big dividends|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=July 17, 1998|page=F7}}</ref> He made an immediate impact on the Marauders. In October, Aidoo rushed for three touchdowns and 129 yards on 14 carries against the Windsor Lancers.<ref name="spectator1998c">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title=Marauders' rookie does it all: Kojo Aidoo scores 3 TDs to lead Mac over Windsor|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=October 19, 1998|page=S12}}</ref> Aidoo was named the Canadian Interuniversity Sport football (CIAU) Rookie of the Year for the 1998 season after finishing the season with 69 carries for 435 yards and 20 receptions for 205 yards with 11 total touchdowns. The Marauders finished the season with a 4–4 record and advanced to the playoffs for the first time in 12 years, where they lost to the first-ranked Western Ontario Mustangs 34–32.<ref name="spectator1998d">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title=Mac's Aidoo is top rookie: Running back best freshman in Canada|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=November 27, 1998|page=E1 / FRONT}}</ref> Head Coach Marshall praised Aidoo for his rookie season, saying he was "as good as or better a running back as a freshman as I've coached".<ref name="spectator1998e">{{cite news|last1=Phillips|first1=Carol|title=Ontario's best|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=November 19, 1998|page=C6}}</ref><ref name="spectator1999a">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title=Aidoo wins Faloney award; Mac running back honoured for unselfish contribution to team|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=December 6, 1999|page=S02}}</ref>

Aidoo was less successful in his second year, finishing with only 403 rushing yards and two touchdowns.<ref name="spectator1999a" /> The Marauders finished the season with a 6–2 record and were nationally ranked as high as fifth before losing to the Laval Rouge et Or.<ref name="spectator1999b">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title=LAVAL CRUSHES MARAUDERS|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=October 18, 1999|page=S18}}</ref> In December 1999, the Bernie Faloney Scholarship Award was awarded to Aidoo for "excellence on and off the field".<ref name="spectator1999a" />

Led by a strong performance from Aidoo, the Marauders had their most successful season in 2000. In the season opener against the tenth-ranked Waterloo Warriors, Aidoo was afflicted by leg cramps early in the game. Despite this, he went on to rush for 244 yards and scored two touchdowns in the final two minutes of the game to secure a Marauders win, 41–33.<ref name="spectator2000b">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title=Aidoo drags Mac to opening win|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=September 11, 2000|page=D04}}</ref> By the second game of the season, Aidoo had topped his previous season's rushing yardage total with 414 yards.<ref name="spectator2000c">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title=Marauders put to the test for Homecoming|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=September 22, 2000|page=E07}}</ref> He went on to be named the CIAU Offensive Player Of The Week for scoring three touchdowns and rushing for 209 yards in a 47–15 upset of the third-ranked Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks. The large victory caused the Marauders to rise to third-place in the national rankings.<ref name="spectator2000d">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title=Kojo Aidoo leads Mac to homecoming rout|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=September 25, 2000|page=B08}}</ref><ref name="spectator2000e">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title=Balanced attack lifts Mac in polls|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=September 27, 2000|page=C07}}</ref> Aidoo had his best game of the season against the Toronto Varsity Blues, scoring five touchdowns in a 62–0 blowout.<ref name="spectator2000f">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title=Mac muscles into playoffs; Crushes U of T to earn postseason berth|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=October 10, 2000|page=B09}}</ref> The Marauders continued to improve to a 6–0 record against the Bishop's Gaiters, where Aidoo scored twice and ran for 230 yards.<ref name="spectator2000g">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title=McMaster continues to punish football opponents|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=October 19, 2000|page=B01}}</ref>

The Marauders finished their 2000 season with a record of 7–1 and emerged at the top of their division.<ref name="spectator2000h">{{cite news|last1=Peters|first1=Ken|title=A weekend for football fans to remember|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=November 10, 2000|page=A01}}</ref> Aidoo broke conference records for rushing yardage and touchdowns with 1,329 yards and 20 touchdowns, averaging over 150 yards and two touchdowns per game. He was also named a first-team Ontario University Athletics (OUA) all-star.<ref name="spectator2000i">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title=Mac's high powered attack is not lost on all-star offensive line|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=November 1, 2000}}</ref> In the postseason, the Marauders won the Yates Cup by defeating the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks, and Aidoo was named the most valuable player for the game with 168 yards and two touchdowns.<ref name="spectator2000j">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title=Mac one win from Vanier Cup|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=November 13, 2000|page=D01}}</ref> McMaster lost 20–15 against the Ottawa Gee-Gees in the Churchill Bowl. They finished the season one game away from playing in the Vanier Cup.<ref name="spectator2000k">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title=No Cup for Mac; Ottawa squashes Vanier dream|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=November 20, 2000|page=B01}}</ref> Aidoo was named the most valuable player in the OUA conference and won the Hec Crighton Trophy as the most outstanding university football player in the nation.<ref name="spectator2000l">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title=Aidoo's closer to Crighton|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=November 18, 2000|page=E02}}</ref><ref name="spectator2000m">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title=Mac's Kojo Aidoo named Canada's best|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=December 1, 2000|page=F01}}</ref> Additionally, he was named CIAU Male Athlete of the Year, McMaster Male Athlete of the Year, and a finalist for the 2000 Golden Horseshoe Athlete of the Year.<ref name="spectator2001a">{{cite news|title=Mac grid great Aidoo nominated for top award|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=April 30, 2001|page=B09}}</ref><ref name="spectator2001b">{{cite news|title=Aidoo named CIAU athlete of the year|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=May 8, 2001|page=E08}}</ref> In April 2001, Aidoo was also one of three running backs selected for the McMaster Team of the Century.<ref name="spectator2001c">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title='A pretty special club'; McMaster chooses 24 players to make up its greatest-ever football team|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=April 3, 2001|page=B01}}</ref>

Prior to the start of the 2001 season, Aidoo broke his leg while filming ''Brian's Song''. Although initially expected to heal in time for training camp, Aidoo's recovery was slower than expected, and he missed the first two games of the season with a broken right fibula.<ref name="spectator2001d">{{cite news|last1=Hemsworth|first1=Wade|title=It's crutches for Kojo after acting mishap|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=May 19, 2001|page=E01}}</ref><ref name="spectator2001e">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title=Mac fit to be tied over final score|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=September 10, 2001|page=B01}}</ref> Aidoo returned to the Marauders in mid-September. In his first game back, Aidoo scored two touchdowns and broke the OUA conference record for career touchdowns with 35 total majors.<ref name="spectator2001f">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title=Aidoo's return a big boost for Marauders|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=September 19, 2001|page=C02}}</ref> He played a large role in a 27–15 upset of first-ranked Ottawa, scoring two of three touchdowns in the final five minutes of the game.<ref name="spectator2001g">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title=Mac defence holds Gee Gees for upset win|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=October 9, 2001|page=B01}}</ref> Due to recurring issues with his healing leg, Aidoo missed multiple games in October but returned for the playoffs.<ref name="spectator2001h" />

He scored twice in his first game back against the York Yeomen and found the endzone again against Western in the conference semi-finals.<ref name="spectator2001h">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title=Marauders earn a date with Western|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=October 29, 2001|page=D04}}</ref><ref name="spectator2001i">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title=Marauder bounce beats Western; Victory vaults Mac into Yates Cup title tilt against Ottawa|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=November 5, 2001|page=D07}}</ref> McMaster won the Yates Cup after defeating the Ottawa Gee-Gees 30–22,<ref name="spectator2001j">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title=Reputation precedes Bisons' opponent|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=November 16, 2001|page=E01}}</ref> but ended their season with a loss in the Churchill Bowl for the second year in a row. Aidoo described the 26–7 loss against the Manitoba Bisons as "a horrible game, probably the worst I've ever played".<ref name="spectator2001k">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title=Aidoo in game of his career; Mac player invited to play in premier U.S. all-star game|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=December 13, 2001|page=E01}}</ref> Aidoo was limited to only 69 carries for 390 yards in the 2001 season, but rushed for eight touchdowns. He was limited by his leg injury throughout the season, missing games and also receiving a reduced number of carries to prevent additional injury. Despite this, Aidoo was selected as one of two Canadians to play in the East–West Shrine Game, an American football post-season game that includes the best players from around the nation. The East–West Shrine Game is widely attended by scouts from the National Football League.<ref name="spectator2001k" /> Aidoo participated as a fullback for the East team and caught two receptions for four yards.<ref name="spectator2002a">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title=Aidoo has 'great opportunity' in Shrine game; U.S. scouts to view Mac football player|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=January 12, 2002|page=E01}}</ref><ref name="spectator2002b">{{cite news|title=Aidoo's East loses to West in Shrine Bowl all-star game|work=Hamilton Spectator|agency=Associated Press|date=January 14, 2002|page=B02}}</ref>

Although he was eligible to declare for the CFL draft, Aidoo chose to remain with the Marauders for the 2002 season, citing a desire to further recover from his leg injury.<ref name="spectator2002c">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title=Marauders begin a new era; Mac's Kojo Aidoo aims to carry big load|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=August 23, 2002|page=E05}}</ref> His season was again plagued by injury. Aidoo struggled in the season opener, rushing six times for 16 yards.<ref name="spectator2002d">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title=Two quarterbacks again get the call for Mac|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=September 6, 2002|page=E02}}</ref> Due to his recurring leg injury and a new back injury, he sat out the next five games. Aidoo returned in mid-October and played in a 72–0 blowout against the Toronto Varsity Blues, but he received only three carries. He also played on special teams.<ref name="spectator2002e">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title=Marauders clinch first place with a bang; Marauders hand Varsity Blues worst loss in history|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=October 15, 2002|page=B03}}</ref> He did not appear in another game for the Marauders that season due to his leg injury.<ref name="spectator2002f">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title=Mac's Mariuz injured|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=October 26, 2002|page=E01}}</ref>

In 2013, Aidoo was inducted into the McMaster Athletic Hall Of Fame.<ref name="spectator2013">{{cite news|last1=Peters|first1=Ken|title=Mariuz, Aidoo, Cook, Greenwood honoured; All win nod for McMaster hall of fame|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=September 13, 2013}}</ref>

== Professional career == Following the 2002 season, Aidoo's five years of college eligibility expired.<ref name="spectator2002g">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title=Mac men want to three-peat at water polo provincials|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=November 20, 2002}}</ref> He participated in a Canadian Football League (CFL) evaluation camp in March 2003, where he impressed commentators by bench pressing {{convert|250|lb|kg}}.<ref name="spectator2003a">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title=CFL draft finds 4 Marauders 'sitting on edge'; Prospects Mariuz, Botterill, Aidoo, Pyear hope to be selected|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=April 30, 2003}}</ref> Aidoo was selected in the second round of the 2003 CFL draft by the Edmonton Eskimos with the tenth overall pick. Eskimos Head Coach Tom Higgins acknowledged Aidoo's injury history but stated the Eskimos "think he can do what we need him to do as far as blocking is concerned."<ref name="journal2003a">{{cite news|last1=Hall|first1=Vicki|title=Eskimos in the making|work=Edmonton Journal|date=May 1, 2003|page=D2}}</ref>

=== Edmonton Eskimos === The Eskimos acquired Deitan Dubuc during the offseason and intended to use him as their starting fullback, but Dubuc chose to sign with the Seattle Seahawks of the NFL. This allowed Aidoo the chance to compete for a starting position as a fullback.<ref name="journal2003b">{{cite news|last1=Hall|first1=Vicki|title=Eskimos lose pick to NFL's Seahawks: Hunt for Canadian fullback continues|work=Edmonton Journal|date=May 5, 2003|page=D2}}</ref> He also competed for a spot on the special teams as a kick returner.<ref name="journal2003d">{{cite news|last1=Hall|first1=Vicki|title=Special teams a rush for rookie: Covering kicks could be Jarrett's ticket to CFL|work=Edmonton Journal|date=June 10, 2003|page=D4}}</ref> The Edmonton Journal noted that Aidoo looked "impressive" in training camp, but he had difficulties adapting to professional football.<ref name="journal2003c">{{cite news|last1=Hall|first1=Vicki|title=Eskimos dump Shawn Daniels: Veteran thought he was doing fine at training camp|work=Edmonton Journal|date=May 31, 2003|page=C3}}</ref> Aidoo earned a place on the regular season roster. He made his CFL debut on June 21, 2003, against the Montreal Alouettes.<ref name="journal2003e">{{cite news|last1=Hall|first1=Vicki|title=Esks rookies thrust into spotlight: Mounting injuries force young players into pivotal roles|work=Edmonton Journal|date=July 4, 2003|page=D3}}</ref> Aidoo recorded two special teams tackles in a Week 3 game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, which was Aidoo's first professional game played in his hometown.<ref name="journal2003f">{{cite news|last1=Hall|first1=Vicki|title=Eskimos notes|work=Edmonton Journal|date=July 7, 2003|page=D3}}</ref> After playing 10 regular season games for the Eskimos,<ref name="CPFE">{{cite book|last1=Maher|first1=Tod|last2=Gill|first2=Bob|title=The Canadian Pro Football Encyclopedia: Every Player, Coach and Game, 1946–2012|date=2013|publisher=Maher Sports Media|isbn=978-0983513667|page=141}}</ref> Aidoo was released on August 29, 2003. Eskimos Head Coach Higgins told the press Aidoo missed several team meetings, which played a role in his departure from the team.<ref name="journal2003g">{{cite news|last1=Hall|first1=Vicki|title=Esks' chances to nab NFL hopefuls slim|work=Edmonton Journal|date=August 30, 2003|page=D3}}</ref> Aidoo made six special teams tackles with the Eskimos and rushed for two yards on a single carry.<ref name="CPFE" />

=== Winnipeg Blue Bombers === Aidoo was signed by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in October 2003 after starting defensive back Tom Europe's season ended due to an ankle injury.<ref name="journal2003h">{{cite news|last1=Hall|first1=Vicki|title=Eskimos expect to see Jones|work=Edmonton Journal|date=October 16, 2003|page=D3}}</ref> He remained with the Blue Bombers for the rest of the season, playing in two regular season games. The Blue Bombers lost the West Semi-Final to the Saskatchewan Roughriders 37–21, marking Aidoo's first playoff game in the CFL.<ref name="spectator2004a">{{cite news|last1=Peters|first1=Ken|title=Aidoo returns to Hamilton; Tiger-Cats acquire former McMaster University star|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=February 13, 2004|page=SP08}}</ref>

=== Hamilton Tiger-Cats === Prior to the 2004 season, Hamilton Tiger-Cats signed Greg Marshall as their head coach. Marshall coached Aidoo for five seasons with the McMaster Marauders, and quickly traded for the fullback.<ref name="spectator2004a" /> On February 12, 2004, the Tiger-Cats acquired Aidoo by trading a third-round pick in the 2004 CFL draft to the Blue Bombers.<ref name="herald2004a">{{cite news|title=Argos lock up QB Brady: Westwood back with Bombers|work=Calgary Herald|agency=Canadian Press|date=February 13, 2004|page=F4}}</ref> In training camp, Aidoo competed with Julian Radlein and Ray Thomas for the starting fullback position.<ref name="spectator2004b">{{cite news|last1=Peters|first1=Ken|title=Catching on with the Cats; Sixteen pass receivers are in fierce competition for a job as Tiger-Cats open training camp at Mac tomorrow|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=May 22, 2004|page=SP10}}</ref> While Aidoo made the opening roster, he did not earn a starting position.<ref name="journal2004a">{{cite news|title=CFL opening day rosters|work=Edmonton Journal|date=June 14, 2004|page=D9}}</ref><ref name="herald2004b">{{cite news|title=Game Day|work=Calgary Herald|date=July 4, 2004|page=E2}}</ref> As the season progressed, Aidoo increasingly focused on special teams. The ''Ottawa Citizen'' called him a "star" player on special teams after a 20–17 win against the Ottawa Renegades in October.<ref name="citizen2004a">{{cite news|last1=Sekeres|first1=Matthew|title=Renegades run out of hope: Ottawa officially eliminated from playoffs; team likely to clean house after Grey Cup; Tiger-Cats 20, Renegades 17 (OT)|work=Ottawa Citizen|date=October 16, 2004|page=C1}}</ref> In his first season with the Tiger-Cats, Aidoo recorded two special teams tackles, caught one reception for 11 yards, and rushed for another 11 yards on six carries. He played in 12 regular season games.<ref name="CPFE" />

Aidoo was designated as the backup running back out of training camp in 2005, with the Tiger-Cats electing to keep only the trio of Troy Davis, Aidoo, and fullback Julian Radlein on the roster as running backs.<ref name="spectator2005b">{{cite news|last1=Peters|first1=Ken|title=New Cats boast some speedy kittens|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=June 20, 2005|page=SP02}}</ref> In August, Aidoo briefly stepped in for Davis after the latter suffered an injured hamstring.<ref name="spectator2005c">{{cite news|last1=Radley|first1=Scott|title=Big question still unanswered; It's a coin toss between Marcus and Khari, but don't count Danny out yet|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=August 3, 2005|page=SP04}}</ref> Through the first 11 regular season games, Aidoo made two special teams tackles and rushed for 51 yards on six carries.<ref name="spectator2005d">{{cite news|last1=Peters|first1=Ken|title=Two Hec Crighton winners will be suited up in black and gold against Stampeders|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=September 17, 2005|page=SP04}}</ref> This led ''The Hamilton Spectator'' to speculate he would be dropped from the active roster in favor of recently signed running back Jesse Lumsden.<ref name="spectator2005e">{{cite news|last1=Peters|first1=Ken|title=He's not a saviour, but Jesse will help; New Cat will take to the field Sept. 17|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=September 9, 2005|page=SP03}}</ref> After Troy was traded to the Eskimos, this never came to pass, and Aidoo started as a fullback for the last few games of the season.<ref name="spectator2005f">{{cite news|last1=Peters|first1=Ken|title=Ticats set to give Eakin his chance|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=October 19, 2005|page=SP03}}</ref><ref name="spectator2005g">{{cite news|last1=Peters|first1=Ken|title=Cats field all-Canadian offensive line; McMaster alumni given huge task of sparking a sputtering Ticat offence against dominant Alouettes|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=November 4, 2005|page=SP03}}</ref> The Tiger-Cats did not make the playoffs. Aidoo finished the season with five special teams tackles and 116 rushing yards from 18 carries.<ref name="CPFE" />

Aidoo was resigned by the Tiger-Cats prior to the 2006 season.<ref name="spectator2005h">{{cite news|last1=Peters|first1=Ken|title=Katz confident Goss will return|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=December 20, 2005|page=SP06}}</ref> In training camp, newcomer Les Mullings competed with Aidoo to become backup running back.<ref name="spectator2006a">{{cite news|title=Meet the New Cats|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=May 20, 2006|page=SP10}}</ref> Head Coach Greg Marshall praised Aidoo for his performance in training camp, saying "Kojo came into camp in great shape. The best shape I've ever seen him."<ref name="spectator2006b">{{cite news|last1=Choi|first1=Paul|title=Ready for battle; Former Mac star is taking an aggressive stand|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=June 1, 2006|page=SP07}}</ref> Aidoo was rewarded with a spot on the active roster. He played in 16 regular season games, mostly on special teams. He finished the season with a career-high seven special teams tackles in 17 games, along with a single reception and two carries.<ref name="CPFE" />

Head coach Greg Marshall was released prior to 2007 after two disappointing seasons, and Aidoo was viewed as "expendable" according to general manager Marcel Desjardins. He was released on April 19, 2007.<ref name="spectator2007a">{{cite news|last1=Peters|first1=Ken|title=Cats jettison Kojo Aidoo|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=April 20, 2007|page=SP13}}</ref>

=== Toronto Argonauts ===

The Toronto Argonauts signed Aidoo to their practice squad on October 25, 2007.<ref name="nationalpost2007">{{cite news|last1=Sekeres|first1=Matthew|title=Beat up Bombers look to clinch; Hosting Argos; Team tested by injuries to key players|work=National Post|date=October 26, 2007|page=B13}}</ref> He later played in one regular season game for the Argonauts in the 2007 season.<ref name="CPFE" />

=== Season statistics ===

{| class="wikitable" |- !colspan=3|<ref name="CPFE"/> ||colspan=5|Rushing ||colspan=5|Receiving ||colspan=2|Misc |- ! Year !! Team !! GP !! Att !! Yards !! Avg !! Long !! TD !! Rec !! Yards !! Avg !! Long !! TD !! STT !! Fumb. |- | {{CFL Year|2003}} || ESK || 10 || 1 || 2 || 2.0 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 6 || 0 |- | {{CFL Year|2003}} || WPG || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- | {{CFL Year|2004}} || HAM || 12 || 6 || 11 || 1.8 || 3 || 0 || 1 || 11 || 11.0 || 11 || 0 || 2 || 0 |- | {{CFL Year|2005}} || HAM || 18 || 18 || 116 || 6.4 || 33 || 0 || 2 || 19 || 9.5 || 12 || 0 || 5 || 0 |- | {{CFL Year|2006}} || HAM || 17 || 2 || 4 || 2.0 || 2 || 0 || 1 || 15 || 15.0 || 15 || 0 || 7 || 1 |- | {{CFL Year|2007}} || TOR || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- |colspan=2|'''Total''' || 60 || 27 || 133 || 4.9 || 33 || 0 || 4 || 45 || 11.3 || 15 || 0 || 20 || 1 |}

== Personal life ==

Kojo Aidoo was born to James and Janet Aidoo in Ghana, but moved to Oakville, Ontario later in life.<ref name="spectator1999a" /> His brother, Kwame Aidoo, was a cornerback for the McMaster Marauders and attended training camp with the Tiger-Cats in 2005.<ref name="spectator2005a">{{cite news|last1=Peters|first1=Ken|title=Call him Cotton not Cheatwood|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=May 30, 2005|page=SP10}}</ref>

Aidoo appeared in ''Second String'', a fictional movie about a Buffalo Bills run to the Super Bowl, as a linebacker.<ref name="spectator2000a">{{cite news|last1=Dickins|first1=Jeff|title=Mac stars taste the CFL|work=Hamilton Spectator|date=May 2, 2000|page=B07}}</ref> He also appeared in the 2001 remake of ''Brian's Song''.<ref name="spectator2001d" />

== References == {{reflist|30em}}

{{Hec Crighton Trophy}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Aidoo, Kojo}} Category:1978 births Category:Living people Category:McMaster Marauders football players Category:Edmonton Elks players Category:Winnipeg Blue Bombers players Category:Hamilton Tiger-Cats players Category:Toronto Argonauts players Category:Sportspeople from Kumasi Category:Ghanaian emigrants to Canada Category:Ghanaian players of Canadian football