Lewis retires as a Stampeder
Receiver played 14 seasons, last three in Montreal
CALGARY• Nik Lewis is retiring as a Calgary Stampeder.
The CFL’s career leader in receptions signed a one-day contract with Calgary before announcing his retirement on Friday.
Lewis played the last three seasons with the Montreal Alouettes after suiting up for the Stampeders for 11 years.
“It means a lot,” Lewis said. “I felt like this has been all about me for the last 14 years and now I get to celebrate it and share it with so many people. I’ve been really selfish with family and friends and different things. They got to come up and see a different part of the world. Everybody loves Canada.”
The 36-year-old Mineral Wells, Tex., native caught 1,051 passes for 13,778 yards during his career and scored 71 touchdowns. Lewis holds the Stampeders record with 165 consecutive games played, was a three-time CFL all-star and won two Grey Cups.
“It’s awesome,” Lewis said. “Fourteen or 15 years ago, I never would have thought I would be here in this place and I never would have thought that I’d be doing this. They gave me an opportunity and the only thing I believe you can ask for in life is an opportunity. It’s great to think back and just love the moments that I had here — the Grey Cups, the losses and the wins, enjoying the fans and everything.”
“Nik was an important player for this organization for many years and it’s fitting that he retires as a member of the Stampeders,” Stampeders president and general manager John Hufnagel said in a statement.
The Stampeders host the Alouettes on Saturday night.