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Former Saskatchewan Roughriders receiver Rob Bagg announced his retirement from the CFL on Tuesday.
A product of Kingston, Ont., Bagg joined the Roughriders as an undrafted free agent out of Queen’s University in 2008.
He overcame knee injuries that cost him most of two seasons, recording 364 receptions for 4,705 yards and 24 touchdowns in 143 regular-season games. He also won a Grey Cup with Saskatchewan in 2013.
Bagg suffered an ankle injury in training camp in 2018 and was among Saskatchewan’s final cuts. After he filed a grievance over his release with the CFL Players’ Association, he was re-signed by the Roughriders in August.
He dressed for four games but didn’t catch a pass.
Speaking on The Green Zone in July, Bagg said he was waiting for an offer this spring to continue his career.
“Over the last six months, I’ve been doing a lot of different things but my focus has still been on training,” said Bagg, 34. “(I’m) hopeful that I’ll be given an opportunity as the season continues forward.
“Every day is a little bit further from that dream. Having said that, I feel great and I’m staying ready and if the right opportunity arises, I’ll jump all over it.”
That opportunity never came, prompting Bagg to make his announcement on Twitter on Tuesday.
— Rob Bagg (@R_Bagg6) September 17, 2019
“When you’ve loved something as much as I have loved the game of football, having your time run out as a player is a difficult thing to accept,” he wrote.
“However, after many hours of reflection, 12 training camps and 11 seasons all in the green and white, I have come to terms with the fact that my playing days are now behind me.”
Bagg thanked his family, former teammates and coaches, and the Roughriders’ fans in his farewell message.
“As an undrafted player in 2007, I have tried my hardest to earn your respect,” Bagg wrote to the team’s supporters. “While I didn’t accomplish everything I would have liked to individually, the friendships and brotherhood that defines what it means to be a Rider is something I will always hold close to my heart.”
Bagg added he’ll be starting work as a real estate agent in Kingston.
