February 8, 2011

Rider veteran O’Day hangs up his cleats

Riderville.com Staff

REGINA — After 14 seasons in the CFL, offensive lineman Jeremy O’Day has announced his retirement. O’Day will join the Saskatchewan Roughriders front office as Football Operations Coordinator.

“I would like to thank the entire Roughrider organization, the fans and my teammates for the past 12 years,” stated O’Day. “It has truly been an honour to be involved with such a great organization. I’ll never forget the amazing feeling of running onto the field at Mosaic Stadium.”

Jeremy O’Day | 2007 Grey Cup

Jeremy O’Day (centre) celebrates the Roughriders 2007 Grey Cup win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. O’Day played 12 seasons with the Riders from 1999-2010.

“While my playing days are over, I am very honoured and privileged to accept the position of Football Operations Coordinator. It has always been a dream of mine to continue on with the Roughriders after my playing career. I look forward to continuing to help this organization be the best team possible.”

O’Day originally joined the Toronto Argonauts in 1997 after a stellar collegiate career at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania where he was a three time All-American Division II player. In two seasons with Toronto, O’Day dressed in 36 games and was a member of the 1997 Grey Cup championship Argonaut team.

In 1999, O’Day signed in Saskatchewan as a free agent and spent the next 12 seasons as stalwart in the middle of the Riders offensive line. His 202 regular season games played for the Green & White ranks him 12th on the club’s all-time games played list. He also played in 16 playoff games and three Grey Cup games, helping the team win the championship in 2007.

Known for his fierce competitiveness and leadership on and off the field, O’Day was named a divisional all-star six times and a CFL all-star three times. He was also the Riders nominee for Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in four seasons.

O’Day and his family have made Regina their year-round home and he has spent countless hours in the community. That dedication was recognized by the CFL in 2008 when he was named the Tom Pate Award recipient which goes to the player with outstanding sportsmanship, who made a contribution to his team, as well as, to his community.

“I can’t begin to express what Jeremy O’Day has meant to the Roughrider organization over the past twelve years,” stated Riders VP of Football Operations Ken Miller.

“Without question, he will be thought of as one of the best offensive lineman of his time, but his work ethic, professionalism, dedication and leadership is something that can never be replaced. While he will be missed on the field, we are very excited to have him join our football operations department. We know he will bring that same dedication and passion to his new role and will be a very valuable asset to the club for years to come.”