Argonauts.ca Staff
TORONTO — After seven seasons in Double Blue, running back Bryan Crawford has announced that he is retiring from football. The Queen’s University grad was originally selected in the fifth round, 44th overall, by Toronto in the 2005 CFL Canadian Draft and established himself as one of the most reliable special teams players in the game.
Commented Crawford, “I played seven years which is a long career for a professional football player. I have received more from football than I could have ever imagined. During my time I have worked extremely hard to position myself for my post-football life and, today, I am happy to take the next step. I have been very fortunate to have remained relatively healthy throughout my career and it is important to me to be as healthy at 55 as I was at 25 to make sure I am able enjoy everything life has to offer.”
Crawford retires as the Argonauts’ all-time leader in special teams tackles with 137. He also finished his career with 26 carries for 217 yards and two touchdowns on the ground and 17 receptions for 140 yards, averaging 8.2 yards per catch.
“I owe a lot to the coaching staff and the organization for giving me an opportunity, trusting me, and supporting me on the field and off”, Crawford continued.
“Not a lot of guys get to be drafted by the same team they finish their careers with and I am proud to say that each one of my 112 regular season games were in Double Blue. I would like to thank my teammates, both past and present, for everything they have given me. I hope that I have been able to impact them as positively as they have impacted me.”
A leader on and off the field, Crawford was named Toronto’s special teams captain for the last five seasons and his community work throughout the GTA has been well-documented.
“We ask our families to make a lot of sacrifices for us to achieve our goals as football players. I would like to thank my family: my parents, Glenn & Elaine, my brother and sister Brad & Lauren, as well as my in-laws David & Mary Anne, Alison & Phil, and all of my friends who have supported me in every phase of my career.
“Most importantly, I would like to thank my wife, Catherine, who has been with me every step of the way and who has always kept me focused on what is most important in life. I look forward to everything that the future has in store for us.”
