Larry Dean retires, joins Riders’ football operations staff

After eight seasons of taking on offensive linemen and running backs in the CFL, Larry Dean is taking on a new challenge with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The team announced Thursday the four-time all-star linebacker was retiring as a player and joining the Roughriders’ staff as their player personnel co-ordinator in football operations.

“I wanted to play until I was 40 — you see the LeBron (James) of the world (and) the Tom Bradys of the world — but ultimately you want to think six feet or six inches,” the 35-year-old Dean said during a media conference at Mosaic Stadium. “The opportunity presented itself and knowing this is the road I see myself in, I’ve always wanted to work towards the end goal.

“I’m getting a little long in the tooth and (have) a little less tread on the tires. I just ultimately had to make the decision.”

Riders general manager Jeremy O’Day said Dean’s work ethic is a big part of why the team wanted him as a part of its football operations staff. But the work is just beginning.

“It’s really like becoming a rookie all over again,” O’Day said. “(It’s) his willingness to learn. Larry is not afraid to speak up, but he knows he’s going to have to listen and learn and go through the process and start somewhere.”

Dean said he’s ready to take on the challenge.

“(I checked my) ego at the door; I’m here with boots on the ground. Whatever I can do, I’m here to learn and just follow suit and help the organization,” Dean said.

Dean thanked the game of football for the opportunities it presented him.

“Growing up in impoverished neighbourhoods and environments, this game affords you the opportunity to get out of those situations,” said the product of Tifton, Ga.

“(It was amazing) to travel the world and go against different competition and everything that comes with it, from picking out your equipment to lacing up your cleats to playing against someone to the chemistry you build with teammates and memories that last forever.”

Larry Dean (11) announced his retirement from the CFL on Thursday. He’ll move into a new role on the Roughriders’ football operations staff. (File photo courtesy of the Saskatchewan Roughriders)

Dean started his pro football career in 2011 with the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings. He played three seasons with them and one with the Buffalo Bills before making his way north.

He began his CFL career in 2016 with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and, over the next three seasons, recorded 279 defensive tackles, five special-teams stops, five sacks, three interceptions and five forced fumbles. He was a two-time East Division all-star and, in 2018, was named the East Division’s most outstanding defensive player.

Dean signed with the Edmonton Elks in 2019 and put together another all-star season, registering 86 tackles, three special-teams tackles and one sack in 18 games. He returned to Hamilton for the 2020 season, but that campaign was cancelled due to COVID-19.

He signed with the Roughriders in 2021, but tore an Achilles one day before training camp was to open. He returned to the field in 2022 and had 101 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles in 18 regular-season games.

“You can’t play forever. In those moments, you want to challenge yourself to come back and not go out on that type of note,” Dean said. “To be able to walk out on your own when people still feel like you have more in the tank … as opposed to the injury being the one to say you’re done, it has just been a blessing.”

In 2023, Dean again earned divisional all-star honours after accumulating 104 tackles, two sacks, two picks and a forced fumble in 18 games. He was the Roughriders’ nominee for CFL awards as most outstanding player and most outstanding defensive player.

“To walk away from the game unscathed and on my own timetable is a pleasure and enjoyment of mine (and) to be able to do so on my own terms and make the smooth transition and still be around the game of football which I love,” Dean said. “I’m blessed and happy about that.”

Dean’s contract with Saskatchewan expired in February.

“It goes fast,” he said of his career. “It has been a blur. They say if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. I’ve had a bunch of fun and memories that will last forever and places that I’ve been afforded to go and visit due to this sport. I’m forever indebted to it.”

Dean said he hopes to one day become a general manager like O’Day has done.

“I think I’m with the right guy and with the right room to have the mentors to show me the ropes and there’s no other group of men that I would want to be under and learning from to be in this role,” Dean said.

The Roughriders used free agency to find Dean’s replacement; Jameer Thurman signed with Saskatchewan after free agency opened Feb. 13.