March 4, 2013

Making it official: Eiben announces retirement

Ticats.ca

CFL.ca Staff

HAMILTON — After announcing via his Twitter account Monday that he is hanging up his cleats, Canadian linebacker Kevin Eiben made it official on Wednesday.

“I would like to thank the Toronto Argonauts, the Hamilton Tiger Cats and the Canadian Football League for providing me with the opportunity to play the game I love for the past 12 years,” said Eiben.

“I finished last season as a starting linebacker, a position and role I became accustomed to throughout my career.  Even more rewarding was the opportunity to play my last game at Rogers Center against the team I bled and sweated with for 11 years.  It’s great to go out on my own accord as a starter in the CFL and I enthusiastically look forward to wherever my next challenge takes me.”

Eiben’s career began with the Toronto Argonauts after he was selected in the fourth round of the 2001 CFL Draft.  In 11 years with the Double Blue, he was recognized as an East All-Star five times, a CFL All-Star three times.  He was nominated as Toronto’s Most Outstanding Canadian on six occasions, twice as their Most Outstanding Defensive Player and was selected as their Most Outstanding Player in 2004.  

The Delta, British Columbia native ends his career with 722 defensive tackles – the second-highest total by a Canadian player in CFL history – as well as 92 special teams tackles, 10 interceptions and 15 quarterback sacks.  Eiben earned a Grey Cup ring with the Argos in 2004.  He suited up in 182 regular season games and 13 postseason contests.

Eiben finished his career with the Tiger-Cats last season, registering 18 defensive tackles, 11 special teams tackles and one fumble recovery.