Veteran defensive back Aaron Grymes has officially retired from the CFL and will join the Edmonton Elks as an assistant coach and community ambassador.
Grymes most recently spent time on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ practice roster but did not see game action with the club.
The 33-year-old native of Seattle, Wa. had three different stints with the Edmonton Elks between 2013 and 2023, recording 240 defensive tackles, 19 special teams tackles, 12 interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one sack over 79 games. He was a key part of the team’s Grey Cup run in 2015 when he was named a CFL all-star, which led to a year-long NFL stint with the Philadelphia Eagles the following season.
“Edmonton to me means opportunity,” Grymes said in a statement. “Edmonton is the place that gave me the chance to live out my childhood dream of providing for my family through the game of football. It was the place that got me to the NFL and the avenue that allowed me to have a successful CFL career.”
“Playing for the Club meant a brotherhood to me. It meant B.O.N.E. Once an Eskimo, Always an Eskimo. It meant doing what’s best for the Club first and conducting yourself the right way. It meant excellence and winning.”
The five-foot-eleven, 186-pound defender was also a member of the B.C. Lions in 2019 when he recorded 54 defensive tackles and one interception.
The University of Idaho product hasn’t appeared in a regular season CFL game since 2021 as he missed the past two years with a knee injury. Through 95 total career games, Grymes has made 294 defensive tackles, 19 special teams tackles, 13 interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one sack.
“I was told that if you give the Club and the City everything you have and conduct yourself in a professional way, the city will forever take care of you. I’m starting to see that now, and they’re not only taking care of me, but also my family, which means a lot to me,” Grymes continued.
“I’m excited for my new role as defensive assistant and community ambassador. It’s the best of both worlds, because it’s the two things that I love most and I hope I can bring the same passion and success that I enjoyed on the field, off the field.”
The Elks (4-8) are set to host the Calgary Stampeders (4-7) on Saturday, September 7 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.
