ELON, N.C. -- A three-time All-Southern Conference offensive lineman for the Elon Phoenix from 2006-2009 Chris Werden, has signed to begin his professional playing career with the Cougars of Saint-Ouen-l'Aumone just outside of Paris, France. The Cougars were founded in 1989 and play in the eight-team Senior Elite Division I.

“This is great opportunity for me to continue playing football and also to see a part of the world that I have never had the chance to visit,” said Werden. “Paris is an amazing city with tons of history and I plan on travelling and seeing as much as possible.”

The club’s season begins February 5 on the road against the La Courneuve Flash. The French league also features teams in Aix en Provence, Thonon-les-Bains, Grenoble, Nice, Amiens and Elancourt.

Werden is the second American player to sign on to play with the Cougars in 2011. The other is former UCLA quarterback Kevin Craft.

In his time with the Phoenix, Werden earned the squad’s “Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman Award” and was a four-year starter. Werden’s performance helped Elon to 29 victories in four seasons and its first-ever FCS Playoff appearance in 2009. Elon was ranked among the nation’s top-25 teams at the conclusion of Werden’s final three seasons in the maroon and gold.