Remarkable Ricky: Tributes pour in following Ray retirement
Legendary quarterback Ricky Ray announced his retirement on a conference call Wednesday, sparking an outpouring of admiration, well wishes and memories on social media.
One of the greatest to ever do it.
Thank you, Ricky. #ThankYouRicky | #PullTogether pic.twitter.com/Rc7cgupEyT
— Toronto Argonauts (@TorontoArgos) May 8, 2019
Before we scroll through, we’ll let former Ray understudy Logan Kilgore remind you that Ray is not a big social media guy.
Huge congrats to my guy Ricky Ray on a HOF Career!! I love reading all the tweets and praise for his great career on here, it’s a shame that there is 0% chance he ever sees it 😂 #BigSocialMediaGuy @CFL Can we get a RR15 retirement twitter account?! pic.twitter.com/LRyv7RHEZ4
— Logan Kilgore (@logankilgore) May 8, 2019
Commissioner Randy Ambrosie and various CFL teams sent their congratulations shortly after the announcement, with Hamilton’s sticking to the (friendly) rivalry script.
I would just like to congratulate Ricky Ray on a remarkable career and wish him all the best in his retirement. pic.twitter.com/FPqfOy5X5K
— Randy Ambrosie (@RandyAmbrosie) May 8, 2019
Nothing but respect for a #CFL legend on an impressive career.
Enjoy retirement, Ricky!
(And after a few nice words, back to your regularly scheduled rivalry). https://t.co/Q6f2sckUsN
— Hamilton Tiger-Cats (@Ticats) May 8, 2019
Toronto mayor John Tory went into the archives for some 2017 Grey Cup parade goodness.
A great @TorontoArgos quarterback and a great career. On behalf of all Toronto residents and #Argos fans, thank you to Ricky Ray for your seven seasons in Double Blue and two Grey Cup wins for our city! Wishing you all the best in retirement! #ThankYouRicky #PullTogether pic.twitter.com/7IfLPcE0Yp
— John Tory (@JohnTory) May 8, 2019
One of the few players in CFL history with a resume to rival that of Ray, Damon Allen chimed in.
A career well done #RickyRay15 https://t.co/rjpWKdKUbf
— Damon Allen (@damonallen9) May 8, 2019
Then, of course, there were his teammates and competitors: Those he shared the field with.
THANK YOU RICKY RAY!!!!!
People throw around goat to much these days but YOU ARE TRULY THE GOAT!!!!!!! It was everything to prepare and compete next to a living legend daily, I learned a lot from you and I appreciate you!!!! pic.twitter.com/Is82kcUpHw— James Wilder Jr (@IAm_Wilder32) May 8, 2019
— M.A. (@TheMarcusAlford) May 8, 2019
Ricky!!! The amount I have learned from you as a player & a man is truly incredible. Winning a championship together has bonded us for life & I am extremely grateful for our time spent together. Thank you for teaching me about the @CFL game and how to be a pro all the time! #HOF pic.twitter.com/UKK3XZwclH
— Cody Fajardo (@CodyFajardo17) May 8, 2019
Classy, humble, and consistent. An Edmonton legend, but my respect grew when he went to Toronto and had an incredible “2nd career” there. On the short list of all-time @CFL greats. So many great battles through the years – always had to bring it against Ricky. Cheers to a champ! https://t.co/x6THc6qhDz
— Travis Lulay (@TravisLulay) May 8, 2019
Simply put, Ricky Ray was one of the best to ever do it on a Canadian football field.
