The Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ biggest offseason acquisition is calling it quits on his CFL career.
Receiver Bryant Mitchell has informed the club he will retire after signing a one year deal this offseason.
The decision is believed to be related to the CFL’s recent proposal to the CFLPA regarding a 20% pay cut to players if games are played without fans this season.
The six-foot-two, 200-pound Mitchell has spent three seasons in the CFL, most recently the 2018 campaign with Edmonton, where he recorded 60 receptions for 867 yards and three touchdowns in just eleven games.
Following that season, Mitchell signed with the Arizona Cardinals, and then moved on to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was injured in training camp in 2019, suffering a torn achilles, however he returned for 2020 before being released prior to the start of the regular season.
Mitchell announced his decision on Instagram.
“God told me this in my last game ever.. who knew this would be the last game I ever played professionally? Now I have decided to walk away from the game! God has been so good to me in this time. A kid who left high school with no offers, went to two different junior colleges and stayed 3 years before playing, left to D1AA and no offers from NFL. Took the CFL route and got CUT! Sat out a whole year and worked at an online college. Had the opportunity to go back. Practice squad, played 1 game that year. Second year played in 7 games. Third year played in 11 games and led the league the last 9 weeks. Signed in Arizona and got cut! Then got picked up in Tampa and tore my Achilles. It’s been such an experience and journey and I thank God for it all!! Wouldn’t trade my experiences for anything. But now it’s time to be the man of God he’s called me to be. The father he’s called me to be! I’m walking away content in Godliness. Excited for what’s to come. To the Edmonton Eskimos, Arizona Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, CFL and NFL, thank you! You gave a young boy with big dreams a chance to live out those dreams. I’m forever grateful. “Batman Out!” ✌????God’s now about to truly get the glory!!”
Through 19 CFL games, Mitchell has recorded 97 receptions for 1,418 yards and six touchdowns.
