Herb Zurkowsky
The Gazette

MONTREAL -- In the moments after the Grey Cup loss to Calgary - the Alouettes' fifth defeat in the championship game since 2000 - veteran centre Bryan Chiu understandably was unsure about his future.

Had Montreal defeated the Stampeders at Olympic Stadium, Chiu probably would have called it a career following 12 Canadian Football League seasons, all with the Als.

"Absolutely, I was indecisive after the game," the 34-year-old said. "You think of the work ... the battles you go through ... and wonder whether it's worth it to do it again. You don't know if you have the energy, or if your body will hold up. You've emotionally invested so much into the season. Ultimately, you want an opportunity to have a shot. If you don't come back, you don't have the opportunity."

Less than two weeks have passed since the Als' bitter 22-14 defeat, and yet Chiu already doesn't know what to do with himself - and it's still more than five months until training camp. So it should come as no surprise Chiu has decided to continue his career, at least for one more season.

Unlike the signing of safety étienne Boulay 24 hours earlier, Chiu was never a free agent, although his name appeared on a list of 17 potential free agents the team issued at season's end. Chiu had a clause - as do several of his teammates - in his contract allowing him to become a free agent this month. But he never had the intention of exercising that right. In effect, all he has decided is to fulfill the option year of his contract. It's highly unlikely he'll receive any additional financial incentive, other than his salary, to continue playing.

Although quarterback Anthony Calvillo, another potential free agent, said after the Cup his intention was to talk to Chiu and slotback Ben Cahoon, trying to convince them to return, Chiu said his decision was made exclusively, without consulting the others to learn of their intentions. And it was made only after talking to head coach Marc Trestman and other management members.

Chiu basically wanted some assurance those in power felt he could still contribute at his age.

"I never ruled out coming back," he explained.

"I had an opportunity to sit down ... see where the team was going and would I be able to contribute. As a pro player, you want to continue playing if you can contribute. You don't want to be just there. You want to contribute and be at a high level.

"The decision really wasn't that difficult. The only option was to retire or continue playing. After 12 years, I never envisioned myself not being an Alouette. It was so much fun last year. My body feels great. As the season progressed, I saw us getting better."

Selected in the second round (18th overall) of the 1996 draft, Chiu has been the model of consistency with Montreal. The

6-foot-1, 288-pounder was named the league's outstanding lineman in 2002 and has been named a CFL all-star in eight of his 12 seasons, including 2008.

The only thing that has eluded him is a bevy of championships. He has been a winner in only one of his six Cup appearances and already is talking about unfinished business.

"I don't know what we need. I wish I had the answer," he said. "But I think we're close. Very close."

Courtesy: www.montrealgazette.com