It didn’t take long for Calvin McCarty to find a new home in Canadian football.
The 36-year-old announced his retirement from the CFL in March but recently became an assistant coach with the Bellerose Bulldogs of Bellerose Composite High School in Edmonton. He will serve as the run game coordinator, coaching the offensive line and running backs.
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.
McCarty 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 Grey Cup in 2015 in a 26-20 victory over the Ottawa Redblacks.
McCarty recently spoke out against changing the CFL’s player ratio, which requires teams to field a minimum of 21 national players and start at least seven. He believes changing the rule would hurt grassroots football in Canada and by coaching high school, McCarty is backing up his stance with action.
McCarty resides in Edmonton with his wife, Marissa, and their eight-year-old daughter, Anya Cruz.
