Andy Fantuz officially announces retirement

Andy Fantuz (Wikimedia Commons)

Canadian Football League wide receiver Andy Fantuz of Chatham, Ontario officially announced his retirement from professional football on Thursday at the age of 34. Fantuz won the 2007 and 2014 Dick Suderman Trophy, which is awarded to the top Canadian in the Grey Cup and won the 2010 CFL Most Outstanding Canadian award.

Fantuz played 12 seasons in the CFL–six seasons each with the Saskatchewan Roughriders (2006-2011) and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2012-2017). In 2007, Fantuz won the Grey Cup with the Roughriders and In 2010, Fantuz led the CFL in receiving yards with 1380.

Fantuz is one of five Canadians in CFL history to lead the league in receiving yards. The others are Calgary Stampeders wide receiver Terry Evanshen of Montreal, Quebec (1966, 1967), British Columbia Lions wide receiver Jim Young of Hamilton, Ontario (1972), Ottawa Rough Riders wide receiver Tony Gabriel of Burlington, Ontario (1976, 1977), and Stampeders slotback Dave Sapunjis of Toronto, Ontario (1993, 1995),

Fantuz had a very brief time in the National Football League. He played two preseason games with the Chicago Bears in 2011 before being released.

Fantuz also had a stellar career with the University of Western Ontario Mustangs. He won the 2005 Hec Crighton Trophy, and also set numerous CIS records. They include career receiving yards (4123), single season receiving yards (1300), receptions (189) and touchdown receptions (41).

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