THE CANADIAN PRESS
CFL.ca Staff
CALGARY – Jon Cornish is calling an end to his illustrious Canadian Football League career.
The 31-year-old announced Wednesday he’s retiring from football, ending a nine-year career in the CFL spent entirely with the Calgary Stampeders after the team drafted him in the second round of the 2006 CFL Draft.
Cornish, a native of New Westminster, B.C. and a graduate of Kansas, finishes his career with 6,844 rushing yards and 44 touchdowns along with 1,666 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
“I’m very comfortable with my decision,” said Cornish. “Over the years with this team, I feel we’ve been able to achieve everything that is possible to achieve both as a team and as an individual.”
He is a two-time Grey Cup champion and won Most Outstanding Player in 2013. Cornish is also a three-time CFL All-Star and was named Most Outstanding Canadian three times.
The future Hall-of-Famer led the league in rushing three times.
“I fell in love with this sport at the age of 12. To have the opportunity to play from 12 to 31, you can’t ask for much more than that,” said Cornish.
“All good things come to an end. It’s been a long time, but I’m definitely happy that I’ve spent the time to prepare myself for today. You never know what to expect on the football field.”
Long known as one of the best offensive weapons in the CFL, Cornish was one of the league’s premier rushers over his career. He had three seasons of over 1,000 rushing yards and sits fourth on the Stamps’ all-time rushing list.
“Jon was an exceptional player for this franchise and I congratulate him on an excellent career,” said Stampeders general manager John Hufnagel, who was head coach for eight of Cornish’s nine seasons in Calgary. “He earned his dues early in his career with hard work and commitment on special teams while gradually earning more playing time on offence. After he became the starter, he developed into one of the best running backs in the history of this franchise and this league.”
Cornish struggled with injuries in 2015, suffering a broken thumb and a concussion that limited him to just nine games. He had not appeared in a game since Week 16 and did not take the field in either of the Stampeders’ playoff games this year.
Calgary acquired Jerome Messam at the trade deadline and he took over featured back duties in the offensive backfield. National running back Matt Walter is also on the roster and could be a key part of the future in the Stamps’ backfield.
Cornish thanked his teammates, coaches and the Stampeder organization in his retirement speech.
He said he will remain in the city of Calgary and wants to become an advocate for brain health.
“I hope to help people learn that your brain is your most important muscle and it’s really your most important asset.”
His departure marks what’s been a whirlwind start to the off-season in Cow Town, as long-time head coach John Hufnagel turns in his headset to take over the general manager role only. Meanwhile, incoming head coach Dave Dickenson revealed Tuesday that Defensive Coordinator Rich Stubler’s contract is up and he has chosen not to return.
