The Ottawa Redblacks have been losing on the field in 2021, but they’ve now suffered their first loss off the field as the team’s coordinator of football operations Joey Swarbrick has decided to step away from pro football.
Swarbrick announced on Thursday via a heartfelt Twitter thread that Friday’s game against the Montreal Alouettes would be his last as a member of the organization he first joined in 2013.
“After almost 8 years – tomorrow night will be my last game as a member of Redblacks. I’ve chosen to step away from professional football and pursue a new career.
It was the hardest decision I have ever had to make and leaving the team mid season was not a choice I made lightly.
I will continue to make Ottawa my home and I’m forever indebted to this city and its people who have embraced me over the last 8 years and made me feel like one of their own.
The Redblacks have provided me with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
First of all, I can’t express my gratitude enough to my friends, family, and incredibly supportive partner, Shannon, for their support and advice in making this career change.
Second, a sincere thank you to all past and present OSEG staff, players, and my Redblacks football operations teammates – especially [assistant general manager] Jeremy Snyder and [general manager] Marcel Desjardins for giving a young kid from Sask the chance to live out his dream.
Finally, to the true super stars of this league – the medical, video, and equipment departments – who never receive the recognition they deserve – I thank you for your tremendous work ethic, friendship, and abilities to always making my job easier.
Tomorrow’s game will be filled with mixed emotions, but mostly I am excited for the new opportunity ahead of me. I will forever remain a football fanatic, a Grey Cup champion, and a card carrying member of RNation.”
Swarbrick first joined the Redblacks in September of 2013 as a football operations assistant. He was a member of the staff that helped Ottawa hoist the 2016 Grey Cup, rising up the ranks to become the coordinator of football operations. In his current position, Swarbrick has been responsible for coordinating mini-camps, training camps, and team travel logistics, as well day-to-day operations in the Football Operations Department.
The Regina native is a graduate of the University of Regina in Sports and Recreation Studies with a major in Sport and Recreation Management, and was the recipient of the President’s Medal for outstanding leadership and scholastic achievement. He previously worked as a player personnel intern in 2013 with the Pittsburgh Power of the Arena Football League.
Swarbrick’s new career has not been disclosed at this time.
