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Fantuz retires after memorable CFL career

Andy Fantuz officially retired Thursday after a 12-year career as one of the top Canadian receivers in CFL history.

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Andy Fantuz officially retired Thursday after a 12-year career as one of the top Canadian receivers in CFL history.

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The 34-year-old from Chatham played in five Grey Cups, winning one, and was the CFL’s most outstanding Canadian in 2010.

He made 637 catches for 8,363 yards and 44 touchdowns in six seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and six more with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

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The Roughriders play Thursday night in Hamilton.

Fantuz ranks fourth among Canadians and 18th overall in the CFL for career receptions. He’s ninth among Canadians and 33rd overall in receiving yards.

He was the most valuable Canadian in the Grey Cup twice. He was a CFL and West Division all-star in 2010.

“It has been an honour to represent the Tiger-Cats and Roughriders organizations, both on and off the field, for the past 12 years,” Fantuz said in a statement. “The support from these two communities, and incredible reception I felt from all CFL cities, is what makes this game so special. I will keep you all in my heart forever.

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“I want to thank my family and friends for their unconditional support. I want to thank my coaches, trainers, equipment staff, front office, support staff, media and volunteers for all the memories of this game I’ll never forget. To my teammates, I’m grateful to have gone to battle with talented athletes, strategized with incredible football minds, and developed lasting friendships with great people.

Western Mustangs wide receiver Andy Fantuz . (File photo)
Western Mustangs wide receiver Andy Fantuz . (File photo)

“To all the children out there with a dream – I was once a boy with a dream myself – believe me; everything that you can imagine is possible!”

The McGregor graduate won the Hec Crighton Trophy as the top player in the CIS in 2005 with the Western Mustangs. He was picked third overall in the 2006 CFL draft by the Roughriders.

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Fantuz was having one of his most productive campaigns in 2016 when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the second-last game of the season.

He returned late in the 2017 season but played only three games. He was not signed by any team this season.

“On behalf of the Tiger-Cats, we’d like to congratulate Andy on a great playing career and wish him and his family the very best as he transitions to the next chapter of his life,” Ticats chief executive officer Scott Mitchell said in a statement. “He leaves the game as one of the best Canadian receivers to ever play in the CFL. Andy also made a lasting impression off the field throughout his career and will forever be part of the Tiger-Cats and CFL family.”

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