January 31, 2017

Als vet Parker retires; joins coaching staff

MONTREAL – After spending his entire eight-year CFL career with the Montreal Alouettes, veteran Billy Parker has retired and joined the Montreal Alouettes’ coaching staff.

The news was confirmed on Tuesday when the Als revealed their staff for the 2017 season.

In eight seasons with the Alouettes, Parker collected 321 tackles, seven special teams tackles, 14 interceptions and six forced fumbles. The 6-foot, 195-pound back was named an East Division All-Star in 2013 and was a part of the 97th and 98th Grey Cup winning teams.

The 35-year-old played in just six games in 2016 season after suffering an injury in early August.

Parker came to the CFL in 2009, after starting his career in the NFL and the Arena Football League. He attended mini-camp with the NFL’s Cleveland Browns in 2004 and training camp with the Miami Dolphins in 2005 before signing to the Carolina Panthers practice squad for the rest of the season. He was then released from the Panthers in 2006.

Parker made his Arena Football Debut in 2005 with the New York Dragons. He finished his rookie season as the runner-up in both Rookie and Defensive Player of the Year voting after recording 10 interceptions and 90.5 tackles.

He remained with the Dragons for the 2007 and 2008 before signing with the Alouettes in May of 2009.