Veteran QB Darian Durant announces retirement

WINNIPEG — Veteran Grey Cup-winning quarterback Darian Durant has announced his retirement after 12 CFL seasons.

The Winnipeg Blue Bomber backup revealed the news via his website on Friday morning.

Durant joined the league in 2006, winning two Grey Cups, including the historic one in 2013 when he led the team to a victory on home turf.  Throughout his 12-year career he posting totals of 31,740 yards and 167 touchdowns in 174 games (128 starts).

He later played with the Montreal Alouettes before joining the Bombers this off-season.

Durant penned the following letter on his website:

To CFL, my former teammates, coaches, and to all the guys I’ve battled against over the past 12 years: I just want to say thank you.  Thank you for helping me develop into the man I am today. So many life lessons have been learnt throughout this football journey. With that being said, I have decided to retire from football.

I have some opportunities away from the field that will allow me to transition smoothly into the next stage of my life.  I also became a father earlier this year and I being able to see my daughter grow up day-by-day has played a big part in this decision.

Last but not least, to my fans in Ridernation:  If you cut me open, I am sure that I would bleed green.  Saskatchewan and Regina will always be home.  I always strived to be a Rider legend, and I am honoured to be spoken of in the company of George, Ron, Roger & Gene!   I named my daughter Amayah Taylor, after Taylor Field.  It meant so much to me to be able to play in the last game at “old” Mosaic Stadium.  It’s also very fitting to me that I played the last game of career in Regina last fall, and was able to see and hear the fans one last time from the playing field. I look forward to one day showing my family around Regina, and showing my daughter where her father won a championship in front of Ridernation on “Taylor” Field.

I hope to return and visit Saskatchewan sometime soon, and am working on launching a foundation to help raise funds and give back to the community that has given me so much.

Durant is currently 14th all-time in CFL passing yards, and has had 38 300-plus yard games, with seven 400-yard plus passing games. He’s also added 24 rushing touchdowns throughout his career.

Durant led the Riders to three Grey Cup appearances (2009, 2010 and 2013), winning the 101st Grey Cup in 2013. Durant was also the backup quarterback for Saskatchewan in the 95th Grey Cup in 2007. He played collegiate football at North Carolina, setting multiple school records, and finished as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Tar Heels history with 68 passing touchdowns and 8,755 passing yards.