Veteran Saskatchewan Roughriders offensive lineman Takoby Cofield has decided to retire from the Canadian Football League.
Prior to free agency in February 2020, Cofield signed a contract extension through the 2021 season. He was scheduled to earn approximately $100,000 prorated this year.
Cofield announced his decision with an exclusive statement to 3DownNation.
“I want to thank Jeremy O’Day, Coach Craig Dickenson, Coach Stephen Sorrells, and Coach Clinton Spencer. That core of men really helped create a great culture there in Saskatchewan. I can’t think of a better group of men collectively, that not only care about putting the best product on the field, but also the quality of the men off of the field.
This was a tough decision that I had to make for my family. I love the CFL, I love the Saskatchewan Roughriders. I will forever bleed green! Thank you to all the many people in Regina that embraced me like family and supported me and my teammates. You are all class acts and the best fanbase for a reason!
This isn’t the end of me! You’ll hear from me again, I promise! Terran Vaughn, you’re next up bro. Go be great! Until next time, Big Kat.”
The six-foot-four, 315-pound Cofield played 15 games over the last two seasons for the Riders. The 29-year-old spent time at both left and right tackle in 2019, playing in four games after sustaining an injury in the early part of the year. Cofield made his CFL debut on August 18, 2018.
The North Carolina native spent five collegiate seasons at Duke University and played in 51 career games. He started 42 consecutive contests at left tackle, putting him on the field for 3,274 snaps. He helped the team win the Atlantic Coast Conference Coastal Division Championship in 2013 and made three bowl game appearances. He was Duke’s representative at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in 2014.
Prior to coming to the Riders, Cofield spent time with the Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks and Washington Football Team in the NFL, and played in eight pre-season games between 2015 and 2016.
Saskatchewan loses a key piece along the offensive line in Cofield who had helped protect franchise quarterback Cody Fajardo while paving the way in the run game.