One of the longest-serving players in the history of the Edmonton Football Team is upset with his former club.
Calvin McCarty played thirteen seasons with Edmonton after being selected in the fourth round of the 2007 CFL draft. He is disappointed that the team chose to permanently let go equipment manager Dwayne Mandrusiak after temporarily laying him off in May.
“I just want to say that Pops (Mandrusiak) deserved and earned to go out on his own terms,” Calvin McCarty wrote in an exclusive statement to 3DownNation. “The decision from the organization to use COVID as an excuse is not right. His impact in the locker room, during games, after games, when nobody is watching carries more weight that any coach, ex-player current player, or current GM, or current president could ever comprehend.”
Edmonton Football Team lets go longtime equipment manager Dwayne Mandrusiak
“(Mandrusiak) is selfless to the max, my friend, my favourite teammate throughout the years. I grew up in that Locker room, like many of us, he is a father figure. The lack of respect is unreal. I know we all have to go sometime. But a man like Pops needs to be celebrated and I want to thank you for everything!”
Mandrusiak was hired by Edmonton in 1971 and helped the team win eleven Grey Cup titles. He wanted to work a fiftieth season with the team, but will not be given the opportunity to do so.
The long-time equipment manager is one of the most well-respected people in the CFL community. In addition to his duties with the Edmonton Football Team, Mandrusiak also spent countless hours supporting minor, high school, junior and university football in Alberta.
McCarty, 35, has not been under contract since his last deal expired in February 2020. He was raised in Burnaby, B.C. and recorded 3,620 yards from scrimmage and 30 touchdowns during his tenure with Edmonton.
