Solomon Elimimian has elected to remain retired despite receiving interest from multiple CFL teams.
The future Hall of Fame linebacker was approached about returning to the field in 2021 but told 3DownNation that he’s “happily enjoying retirement.” He declined to reveal which teams have reached out to him about potentially playing this year.
The 34-year-old retired in February following a sensational ten-year CFL career during which he was named Most Outstanding Player, Most Outstanding Rookie and twice-named Most Outstanding Defensive Player. He was also received West Division all-star honours six times and CFL all-star honours four times.
Elimimian would have played as a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders had the 2020 CFL season gone ahead.
The native of Calabar, Nigeria broke the CFL record for defensive tackles in one season in 2017 with 144. He dressed for 133 career games, making 869 total tackles, 33 sacks, nine forced fumbles, and eight interceptions.
Elimimian is the president of the Canadian Football League Players’ Association and has been working diligently to ensure the 2021 season goes ahead as smoothly as possible. With his focus squared solely on the CFLPA, he is unable to consider a return to the field.
