February 23, 2017

Riders’ Best retires after 10 CFL seasons

THE CANADIAN PRESS

REGINA — After a decade in green and white, offensive lineman Chris Best is calling it a career.

The veteran guard officially announced his retirement on Thursday, putting his 10 CFL seasons — all with the Saskatchewan Roughriders — behind him.

The 33-year-old was a key member and a familiar face on the Riders’ O-line ever since being drafted fourth overall by the team in 2005, although Best was forced to miss the entire 2016 season due to injury.

“I want to congratulate Chris Best on a successful 10-year CFL career,” stated Jeremy O’Day, Roughriders assistant vice-president of football operations. “I had the opportunity to work with Chris as a teammate and then as an administrator over the past decade. His level of intensity, competitive attitude, and will to win made Chris a great player. We wish him continued success in his next endeavour.”

Best played 114 career regular-season games after making his Rider debut July 8, 2007. The Calgary native was drafted by the Riders following four seasons at Duke University before transferring to the University of Waterloo to obtain his Masters in 2007.

“I want to thank the Roughriders and entire province of Saskatchewan for everything they have done for me. It’s been an incredible privilege to play for the Roughriders for the past 10 years,” said Chris Best. “I want to give a special thanks to my coaches, teammates, and especially Rider fans for your continuous support over the years.”

Best also played in seven career playoff games and three Grey Cup games, winning in 2007 and 2013. He was named the Riders’ Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in 2011.

Best, his wife Emily, and their daughter Libby have made Regina their home.