Klassen Calls it a Career

REDBLACKS defensive lineman Michael Klassen announced on his Instagram that he will be retiring following tonight’s game.

The Calgary native spent seven years in the CFL, four with Montreal, one with his home town Calgary Stampeders and two with the Ottawa REDBLACKS. Klassen suited up for 87 regular games registering 108 tackles, 14 sacks and two forced fumbles.

Known not only for his play on the field but for his personality off the field, Mike was heavily involved in the community – known for inspiring youth and giving back to fans. He was well liked by management, coaches, teammates and fans alike.

We would like to wish Mike all the best with his future endeavors.

Mike will be dressing for tonight’s warm up but will not play in the game.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Well it’s been a ride…gave 11 years of my life to this sport! On this last day of our season I am officially announcing my retirement from football! 2 Vanier cup loses, 2 Mitchell bowl loses, 1 eastern final lose and 2 grey cup loses! You can look at it two ways.. either I’m a big loser, or I was very fortunate enough to play and contribute with a lot of great teams that almost finished lol. I prefer the latter! I want to thank all my coaches for both giving me an opportunity and instilling great qualities that will hopefully help me along in this next chapter of life! I was fortunate to play beside so many great football players and even better men that I consider some of my best friends, so I thank all my teammates for your friendship as well as putting up with all my locker room antics! To my friends and family for the continued support throughout the years! You guys make the pain and suffering of this rough sport all worth it! Love you guys! And finally to my #1 fan, ex-gf, current fiancé and future wife @k_immy_ you are the most supportive, caring and loving person I have ever met(obviously) and for you to be able to live apart from me for months at a time, I know it’s not easy so you Kim are the real MVP. . . If you somehow are still reading this, I am fortunate enough to strap on the pads one last time tonight for our team warmups so hopefully you can tune in and watch your @cflredblacks finish this season on a high note! . Love you guys! and never forget to just “live your story!”

A post shared by Michael Klassen (@mikeygunz90) on Nov 1, 2019 at 6:21am PDT