Defensive end Chick announces his retirement
And then there was one.
John Chick’s retirement announcement after 13 seasons playing pro football leaves Edmonton Eskimos defensive tackle Almondo Sewell as the lone starting member from last year’s defensive line, a line that will be considerably younger this year.
The 35-year-old Chick’s retirement follows the release of defensive ends Marcus Howard, 32, and Phillip Hunt, 32, on Jan. 22. Eleven days later, 33-year-old Odell Willis was traded to the Ottawa Redblacks.
Chick arrived in Edmonton on Aug. 20, when the Eskimos and Hamilton Tiger-Cats swapped fifth- and second-round picks.
The Eskimos would like nothing more than impressive Canadian rookie Kwaku Boateng to provide ratio relief as a full-time starter in his second season.
But talk of the Eskimos youth movement will have to wait until mini-camp in Las Vegas April 21-24. Good Friday belonged to Chick.
Chick appeared in eight games with the Eskimos, recording 14 tackles and three sacks, one for a safety.
“It has been an absolute privilege to (play) football at all levels and an amazing honour to have been part of the CFL and its history,” Chick said in a statement issued by the Eskimos. “I have always given football my all as it should be given nothing less and regardless of what stage of life I’m in, I will continue to do so.
“I have reached a very blessed point in my life to where my vocation demands more of me at this time than my occupation and am very happy to answer that call. This is not an end but a new beginning. I am forever indebted to the CFL and its fans for all the blessings and unforgettable memories.”
A father of eight, Chick entered the CFL in 2007 and played six seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, sandwiched around stints in the NFL. He joined the Ticats in 2016.
In 125 CFL games, he recorded 240 tackles, 72 quarterback sacks and an interception.
“John will go down as one of the best players to have ever played in the CFL,” said Eskimos general manager Brock Sunderland.