CALGARY — Calgary Stampeders offensive lineman Dan Federkeil has retired after five seasons, the team has announced.
A key national building block on the Stamps’ O-line over the years, the 34-year-old started all 17 games he appeared in last season, helping the Stampeders reach the Grey Cup for the second year in a row.
“After giving the matter careful thought, I believe this is the right time for me to bring an end to my football career and move on to the next phase of my life,” said Federkeil. “John Hufnagel and the Stampeders gave me an opportunity to resume my career five years ago and for that, I will always be grateful.”
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Dan Federkeil spent five seasons with the Stamps after a polished NFL career (Jimmy Jeong/CFL.ca)
Federkeil, a Medicine Hat, Alta. native, went undrafted in the NFL in 2006 after being picked in the first round by the Toronto Argonauts. But that year, he landed with the Indianapolis Colts, where he would spend the following four seasons and take home a Super Bowl title following the Colts’ victory in Super Bowl XLI. His rights were then traded from Toronto to Calgary in 2013.
For his CFL career, Federkeil lined up at right tackle for the Stamps in 59 regular-season games, four playoff games and three Grey Cups, winning a championship in 2014. He advanced to the Western Final in each of his five seasons with the Red and White.
“I thank Dan for everything he has done for the Stampeders over the past five years,” said Stampeders president and general manager John Hufnagel. “He was one of the anchors for our offensive line and an important part of our success as a team. During his time here, Dan worked very hard to overcome injuries and get on the field and I’m pleased for him that the final season of his career was a healthy one.
“I congratulate him on his outstanding career on both sides of the border and wish him all the best for the future.”
Federkeil was a key contributor along an offensive line which enabled running backs Jon Cornish and Jerome Messam to earn a combined total of four West Division all-star selections and three CFL all-star awards during Federkeil’s career.
The 34-year-old was part of a unit which led the league in rushing yards in both 2013 and 2014. In all five of Federkeil’s seasons, the Stampeders finished in the top-three in terms in rushing touchdowns and ranked either first or second in fewest quarterback sacks allowed.
“I also acknowledge and thank our coaches and all my teammates, especially my fellow offensive linemen,” Federkeil said. “It was an honour to play beside you all those years and to share the highs and the lows.
“Last but not least, I thank the fans and the community for their support over the years. I’m proud of what I have been able to accomplish during my career and thankful for the opportunity to play on both a Super Bowl championship team and a Grey Cup championship team.”
