Veteran Canadian defensive tackle Ted Laurent has officially announced his retirement after 12 CFL seasons, including the previous nine with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The 37-year-old suited up in 15 games during his final season with the Tabbies, making 13 defensive tackles and three sacks. He was not re-signed and became a free agent in February, but now retires in congruence with the opening of training camp.
“I’m excited today to officially announce my retirement from football. I left it all out there every time I took the field and I can truly say it’s time for me to step away,” Laurent said in a statement. “I want to thank all my teammates for being a part of this incredible journey. Thank you to Coach Reed, Coach Austin, Coach Jones and Coach O for believing in me and challenging me to be the best version of myself. Thank you to the ownership group, all the training staff, the equipment staff and everyone in the Ticats organization for everything over the past nine seasons.”
“I want to thank the amazing Tiger-Cats fans. Every time we took the field at Tim Hortons Field, at McMaster or even on the road, you always made it special. Finally, thank you my wife Ashley for always supporting me and to my son Xavier, I’m glad you got to watch Daddy play.”
Originally selected by Edmonton in the 2011 CFL Supplemental Draft out of the University of Mississippi, Laurent suited up in 187 games over the course of his professional career. He registered 235 total tackles, 53 quarterback sacks, 25 tackles for loss, nine forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries, earning five divisions all-star selection and CFL honours on two occasions.
The native of Montreal, Que. was named the Tiger-Cats nominee for the Most Outstanding Canadian award on three occasions and earned the East Division nomination for the award during his first season with the team in 2014. He retires with the fourth most sacks (42) in franchise history and the third most playoff sacks (9) in league history, having suited up in 11 playoff games and two Grey Cups with Hamilton.
“I want to congratulate Ted Laurent on his truly incredible career. He is an exceptional person who was a fierce competitor and a dominant force on the football field,” Ticats president of football operations Orlondo Steinauer said in a statement.
“A quiet leader who always let his actions speak for themselves, Ted set the benchmark for everyone else to emulate. Aside from his commanding presence, he had a terrific sense of humour and an infectious laugh. I feel fortunate to have coached him for eight seasons and I really hope the next phase of his life brings him and his family all the best.”
The Ticats open the 2024 regular season by visiting the Calgary Stampeders at McMahon Stadium on Friday, June 7.
