Calvin McCarty retires following 13 seasons with Edmonton

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

Veteran fullback Calvin McCarty has retired from the Canadian Football League.

The native of Muskogee, Okla. was raised in Burnaby, B.C. from age 11 through high school before stints at Boise State, Reedley College, and Western Washington University. He was a fourth-round selection of the Edmonton Football Team in 2007 and played with the team through 2019.

“Obviously, I feel like I could still play,” McCarty told Postmedia’s Gerry Moddejonge. “I think I’m going to always feel like that until I die.

“But just weighing everything and looking at everything, my daughter’s getting big and I’ve still got relatively good health for playing over 200 games. And I would eventually like to stay involved. But, for now, I think it’s just the best decision for everybody.”

The 36-year-old rushed for 1,615 yards on 337 career attempts and made 263 receptions for 2,005 yards. He scored 30 touchdowns and made 85 career special teams tackles, which is a testament to his versatility and athleticism. He also helped Edmonton win a champion in 2015 in a 26-20 victory over the Ottawa Redblacks.

McCarty resides in Edmonton with his wife, Marissa, and their eight-year-old daughter, Anya Cruz.