Saskatchewan Roughriders’ defensive lineman Chad Geter has retired from professional football to answer the call of duty.
Geter had signed a contract extension through the 2021 CFL season, but the chance to serve his country was not something he was willing to pass up.
“My pro football dream started with the Roughriders and I wanted it to end with the green and white. Saskatchewan will always have a special place in my heart, game days at Mosaic Stadium provided me with some of the best memories of my life that are imprinted in my mind forever.
That is why it’s with a heavy green and white heart that I announce my retirement from the game of football as a Rider. My next journey in life will be in the Air Force.
It was a difficult decision to leave my teammates, I’ll miss the locker room atmosphere and running out of the tunnel to a full green house. Thank you for all you afforded me Rider Nation, I’ll be rooting for the Riders to win the Grey Cup alongside each and every one of you.
Geter Out.”
The 26-year-old discussed the benefits of joining the Air Force compared to playing a couple more years in the CFL with his family and agent, Jerry Marlatt. After the group came to a consensus, Geter decided to leave the game he loves for the stability the Air Force provides in the long-term.
“It would be a different story if I was making millions in the NFL. I love the CFL, but ultimately I had to select the best option for me and my family in the future,” Geter said.
Geter spent five collegiate seasons at Gardner-Webb University majoring in sociology and minoring in criminal justice while earning his masters in business administration. After earning multiple degrees, he went unselected in the 2017 NFL Draft, but his production and athleticism caught the attention of Chris Jones.
As a member of the Runnin’ Bulldogs football team, Geter recorded 203 solo tackles, 142 assisted tackles, 35.5 tackles for a loss, 10.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries in 47 games. Following the 2016 season, he was selected as an NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision All-American to go with being named an All-Big South Conference performer three times in his university career.
The Irmo, South Carolina native initially signed with the Roughriders in April 2018 and played in 18 regular season games and the West Semi-Final during his rookie season in Canada. Geter recorded 19 defensive tackles, 17 special teams tackles, three quarterback sacks, three tackles for loss and one forced fumble, helping Saskatchewan produce a 12-6 regular season record under Jones who was the head coach and GM.
In 2019, Geter played six games for the Riders, making nine defensive tackles, two special teams tackles and three sacks. Prior to landing back in Saskatchewan, he played two games with the Montreal Alouettes, notching one defensive tackle and one special teams tackle. The Riders went 13-5 to capture first place in the West Division during his final season.
Geter is shipping off to San Antonio, Texas for basic training and starting his next career in the Air Force.
