April 8, 2016

Former Rider, first overall pick Ben Heenan retires

THE CANADIAN PRESS

REGINA — Former first overall pick and 2013 Grey Cup Champion Ben Heenan has announced his retirement from professional football at age 26.

The announcement was made in a press release issued by Heenan’s agent Dan Vertlieb, according to multiple sources, as the 6-foot-4, 316-pound offensive lineman walks away from a four-year professional career with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and NFL’s Indianapolis Colts.

Heenan has not yet spoken publicly about his decision other than a quote taken from the release thanking coaches, teammates and fans.

A native of Regina and graduate of the University of Saskatchewan, Heenan was a fan favourite from the start in Riderville after becoming a first overall pick in the 2012 CFL Draft. He anchored a Rider O-line that powered the team to an historic victory on home turf in the 101st Grey Cup Championship, led by the league’s most dynamic rushing attack and eventual Grey Cup MVP Kory Sheets.

After one more season with the Riders in 2014, Heenan earned a look down south and eventually signed a three-year deal with the Colts. A severe knee injury in August led to his release, while in November the Colts signed Heenen to their practice squad.

Heenan was released Thursday by the Colts before announcing his retirement for unspecified reasons, although the Winnipeg Sun‘s Kirk Penton reports the decision is not injury-related.