Paul Shorten

Paul Shorten (born January 23, 1963) is a Canadian former professional football wide receiver who played one season with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was selected by the BC Lions in the second round of the 1987 CFL draft. He played college football at the University of Toronto.

Biography Paul Shorten was born on January 23, 1963, in Toronto, Ontario. He caught 33 passes for a CIAU-leading 676 yards during the 1986 season, earning All-Canadian honors. He was released on June 20. However, on June 22, it was reported that Shorten had been re-signed to the team's practice roster. On June 27, it was reported that he had been re-released by the Lions.

Toronto Argonauts and return to the University of Toronto Shorten was then signed to the practice roster of the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL in mid July 1987. He was released by the Argonauts on August 21, 1987, so he could return to the University of Toronto for his final season of college football. He returned to the Argonauts in 1988 but was released in July 1988 before the start of the 1988 CFL season. He was signed to the practice roster again shortly thereafter. He was promoted to the active roster several days later, replacing American wide receiver Ken Winey. Shorten dressed in 15 games for the Blue Bombers during the 1988 season, recording three catches for 34 yards, 24 punt returns for 88 yards, one kickoff return for 15 yards, and one tackle. The Blue Bombers finished the year with a 9–9 record, second place in the CFL Eastern Division. Shorten replaced offensive guard Brad Tierney on the active roster for the team's Eastern Semi-Final game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Shorten then played in the Eastern Final victory over the Toronto Argonauts. On November 27, 1988, Shorten split time on kick returns with teammate Ken Pettway as the Blue Bombers beat the BC Lions by a score of 22–21 to win the 76th Grey Cup. On August 7, 1989, it was reported that he had been released by the Blue Bombers.

Semi-pro football Shorten then played semi-pro football for the Ottawa Bootleggers in 1989. He also later played for the Gateshead Senators in Britain and was inducted into the team's hall of fame in 2003.

University of Toronto (third stint) In 1991, Shorten returned to the University of Toronto to earn more credits on his physical education degree with hopes of getting into teachers' college. Despite having already played professional football, Shorten played college football for the Toronto Varsity Blues during the 1991 season as both a cornerback and receiver.

Touch football In 1995, Shorten played for the Toronto Landell Lightning at the Canadian touch football championships.