Calgary Stampeders kicker Rene Paredes to retire from CFL after 2026 season

Photo: Blair Takahashi/COACHTAK/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

Calgary Stampeders kicker Rene Paredes is retiring at the end of the 2026 season, he announced on Tuesday.

“This wasn’t easy, but I’ve made the decision that this season will be my last,” said Paredes in a statement. “Playing for the city of Calgary has been such an honour, and I cannot wait to finish the year strong. Looking back on my journey, there is so much to be grateful for. I look forward to properly thanking those who have made an impact on my career.”

The 41-year-old originally joined the Red and White as a free agent in 2011. He is the team’s longest-serving active player and ranks second in franchise history in seasons played (15), regular-season games played (253), points scored (2,535), field goals made (649), and converts made (547).

The native of Caracas, Venezuela, who was raised in Pierrefonds, Que., has made 649-of-740 career field goal attempts (87.7 percent) and 547-of-578 convert attempts (94.6 percent). He has also made 13 walk-off game-winning field goals, the most recent of which came on Sept. 19 from a career-long distance of 62 yards against the Ottawa Redblacks.

The Concordia University product is a five-time All-CFL selection, six-time All-West Division selection, and two-time Grey Cup champion. He was also named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Special Teams Player in 2013.

The Calgary Stampeders (8-8) will visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (7-8) on Saturday, October 10 with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EDT. The Stampeders are coming off a 37-31 upset win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders, while Winnipeg got crushed by the Montreal Alouettes.

The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune-in on 770 CHQR in Calgary or 680 CJOB in Winnipeg.