Toronto Argonauts’ long snapper Jake Reinhart has announced his retirement.
Reinhart was the longest-serving member of the Toronto Argonauts after being signed as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Guelph in 2014. Reinhart played in 117 regular season games, two playoff games and one Grey Cup, the Argos’ 27-24 victory over the Calgary Stampeders in Ottawa in 2017.
The former Guelph Gryphon also chipped in with 35 special teams tackles over his eight-year career.
The six-foot, 220-pound native of Guelph, Ontario suffered a devastating elbow injury eight games into the 2021 season that almost resulted in the long snapper having to have his arm amputated. Reinhart came back to play in seven games in 2022 before re-injuring the same elbow and being forced out for the remainder of the season.
The 32-year-old has accepted a job with the Kitchener Fire Department and will transition from the field to the firehouse.
“Today is the worst, good day of the year as Jake Reinhart, our longest serving player is officially retired,” said Argos’ general manager Michael Clemons.
“If you don’t recognize the name, that is a good thing because long snappers only get noticed when something goes wrong. Not only is he one of the most consistent players to don the Double Blue, player for player would adamantly affirm that he is one of the best teammates they’ve ever had. He is leaving as a role model to become a hero. His new position will have even more pressure, as a firefighter he will serve and protect the lives of fellow Canadians at the risk of his own. This is not goodbye, Jake Reinhart will always be a Toronto Argonaut.”
