Tributes pour in for retiring OL Olafioye

Tributes poured in from around the Canadian Football League this week after BC Lions offensive lineman Jovan Olafioye announced his retirement from professional football.

The six-time CFL All-Star was a player respected by teammates and opponents alike, and that showed through on social media following the announcement.

Thank you @jolafioye63 💪 pic.twitter.com/qqXoU4N3bK

— BC LIONS (@BCLions) April 4, 2019

MUCH RESPECT @jolafioye63 THOUGH IT WAS ONLY FOR A YEAR I ENJOYED BEING ON THE SAME SQUAD – YOU WERE A TRUE PRO – MAHALO FOR WHAT YOU GAVE! https://t.co/Perk2SrxEI

— Jeff Reinebold (@Jeff_Reinebold) April 4, 2019

@jolafioye63 played season after season without missing a game and went through entire campaigns without yielding a sack. Retirement congratulations to @BCLions zero hero, a six-time CFL all-star whose generosity of spirit was matched only by his unbending play on the gridiron.

— Mike Beamish (@sixbeamers) April 4, 2019

@jolafioye63 Big Homie I selfishly wanted to see you on that field for more years to come. You’re 1 of the best of our era! I hope the @CFL celebrates you in grand fashion for what you’ve been to the game. #Legend #HOFer ✊🏿

— SirVincent Rogers Sr. (@SirV55) April 4, 2019

@jolafioye63 took an opportunity given to him and became a 6x All Canadian, 7x Western Allstar, Most Outstanding Lineman, and a Grey Cup champ. Congrats on a Hall of Fame career. Thank you Big O https://t.co/UTy45A7CgG

— Wally Buono (@CoachBrillo) April 4, 2019

One of the best to ever play his position in @cfl history and one of the nicest persons you’ll ever meet. It was truly an honour to play beside you and call you my friend. #BigO #SugarBear #HOF #Monster #WhichOneDoIBlock?? https://t.co/Ty7FNx30S8

— Angus Reid (@angusreid64) April 5, 2019

 

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I enjoyed going to war against you and with you. One of the best to do it in this league the last decade no 🧢!!! Congrats on the your RETIREMENT #Seeyouontheotherside

A post shared by Odell Willis (@kuntrykane205) on Apr 4, 2019 at 1:02pm PDT

Congrats to “Big O” @jolafioye63! This guy has been an anchor in front of me for years – the best of the best in our league. Been a pleasure going to battle, best of luck on the next step! 👊🏻 https://t.co/PNxMYnfKHp

— Travis Lulay (@TravisLulay) April 4, 2019

Best of luck to Jovan and his family in the next chapter.