The CFL community reacts to the retirement of QB Michael Reilly

Photo courtesy: Jeff Vinnick/B.C. Lions

Future Canadian Football Hall of Fame inductee Michael Reilly announced his retirement on Monday, which drew a strong reaction from the CFL community.

The 36-year-old quarterback first joined the league in 2010 and has since captured the hearts and minds of fans across the league with his exceptional play and affable personality. Named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player in 2017, Reilly has finished his career as the fourteenth-ranked passer in league history with 34,805 yards.

There has been an outpouring of support for Reilly since his retirement was announced and we’ve made a collection of those messages below. Let’s start with the notes from his former coaches, teammates, and opponents.

Now let’s take a look at those who knew Reilly as members of the media. The gregarious quarterback had a sterling reputation for offering honest answers and not shying away from answering tough questions. Messages below include those from print media, digital media, radio, TSN producers, and CFL communications staff.

Reilly also received an outpouring of support from CFL fans across the country. It speaks volumes that many of the quarterback’s biggest fans do not cheer for the B.C. Lions or Edmonton Elks, yet they still admired the way in which he played the game.

The commissioner of the CFL also weighed in on Reilly’s retirement.

And how about this one? A message from his father, Pat, who often drove up from his home in Montana attend Michael’s games live.

And from all of us here at 3DownNation, congratulations on your retirement, Michael Reilly. It was a pleasure watching you play in our league. All the best to you and your family.