ADIEU ARAKGI
Montreal native Jason Arakgi retires, leaving the Lions without the CFL’s all-time leader in special teams tackles
“I’ll never forget everything the game has given me.” — JASON ARAKGI RETIRING B.C. LION
By his own admission, Jason Arakgi wasn’t the biggest, fastest or most talented player on the field, but he walks away from football with a full heart, a healthy body and a lifetime of memories.
The timing of his retirement announcement? That was just a private joke between the B.C. Lions linebacker and the football gods.
“Obviously, this wasn’t the original plan (to retire after putting in a full training camp and two pre-season games),” Arakgi said following an emotional goodbye to his teammates after the Lions’ 42-10 pre-season win over Saskatchewan on Friday night.
“I wanted to finish the season, but this opportunity (a sales job in a medical firm) came and it wasn’t something I could walk way from for my family.
“It broke my heart. It’s something I’m really excited to move on to, but, being here with these guys tonight, it broke my heart. Saying goodbye to football, it’s taught me so much. I’ll never forget everything the game has given me.”
Arakgi, the 32-year-old Montrealer, was about to start his 10th season with the Lions before he accepted the new job and a start in a new life. A third-round draft pick out of McMaster, he parlayed an outsized heart and unrelenting work ethic into nine full seasons.
He also leaves the game as the CFL’s all-time leader in special teams tackles and finally became a regular on defence last year at 31.
“If you’ve got a big heart and toughness, you can make a career out of football,” Lions head coach Wally Buono said. “Jason, God bless him, had those things.”
Buono played with Arakgi’s father Nick with the Alouettes.
“I can’t thank this organization enough for everything they’ve done for me and I can’t thank Wally enough,” Arakgi said.
“He’s become like a father figure to me. It’s been such a blessing for me to be here 10 years. Every year was a blessing. I’m just happy to play so many years without a serious injury.”
Arakgi was asked what he’ll remember most about the game.
“The guys. It’s all about the people I’ve met some of the best people in my life on this locker-room. I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.”