Former Rider Ben Heenan retires from football at 26

Former Saskatchewan Roughrider offensive lineman Ben Heenan is hanging up his cleats.

The 26-year-old announced Thursday he is retiring from professional football. He did not reveal any specific reason for his retirement.

Heenan released the following statement by email:

“I would like to thank all the coaches, teammates, and fans that have supported me throughout my career. I would like to especially thank my family for everything they have done for me, in football and in life. My achievements in football simply would not have happened without the outstanding people I have had in my corner, and I will be forever grateful to everyone who helped me play the game for as long as I did. I look forward to seeing what life has to offer after football. I’ve always been told that when it’s over all you have left are friends and memories — I’m happy to be able to leave the game with plenty of both.”

Kirk Penton, CFL reporter with the Winnipeg Sun, tweeted that Heenan’s agent said his decision was not injury related. Heenan simply decided to move on in life.

Heenan played his college football at the University of Saskatchewan.

The Roughriders selected Heenan first overall in the 2012 CFL draft. He played 46 games for the green and white from 2012-2014. He was part of the Grey Cup winning team in 2013.

As recently as January, the Grand Coulee product signed a deal with the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts. That was the second deal with the Colts after signing with the team in February, 2015. Heenan never made it on the field last season after suffering a knee injury in training camp.