Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive back Courtney Stephen (22) celebrates his interception late in the second-half of CFL Football action against the Toronto Argonauts in Hamilton, Ont. on Saturday, September 30, 2017. Stephen is calling it a career. The 31-year-old announced his CFL retirement Thursday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter Power
June 24, 2021 - 9:02 AM
HAMILTON - Veteran defensive back Courtney Stephen is calling it a career.
The 31-year-old announced his CFL retirement Thursday. Stephen, of Brampton, Ont., played eight CFL seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2013-18) and Calgary Stampeders (2019).
The six-foot-one, 199-pound Stephen appeared in 113 career CFL games, registering 219 tackles, 54 special-teams tackles, two sacks, 12 interceptions and seven forced fumbles. He also suited up for nine playoff games with Hamilton, including the 2019 Grey Cup game.
"Courtney has been a consummate professional since joining our organization in 2013 and we were fortunate to have him,” Ticats head coach Orlondo Steinauer said in a statement. "He was a great competitor who was willing to contribute in ways that were always best for the team.
"While his contributions on the field will cease, his presence in the community will carry on where he was a steady presence throughout his career. We thank Courtney for his commitment to Hamilton, and further wish him and his family the best in his new life chapters."
ELKS RE-SIGN LINEMAN
EDMONTON -- The Edmonton Elks re-signed veteran Canadian offensive lineman Matt O'Donnell on Thursday.
O'Donnell, 32, of Comox, B.C., is the team's longest-serving member, joining the Elks in 2012. The six-foot-11, 350-pound O'Donnell helped Edmonton win a Grey Cup title in 2015.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 24, 2021.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2021