Larry Dean, the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ linebacker, has announced his retirement after eight years in the CFL.
Dean, often known as “The Champ,” began his CFL career with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2016, spending four seasons with the team from 2016 to 2018, and then 2020. He played his third season with the Edmonton Elks in 2019.
In 2021, he joined the Riders as a free agent. Despite tearing his Achilles during the preseason, he returned to the field in 2022 and recorded 101 tackles.
Dean retired 25th all-time in CFL defensive tackles, is a four-time CFL divisional all-star, and was the East Division’s nominee for the Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2018.
Dean, 35, will be sticking with the Green and White as the Roughriders’ Player Personnel Coordinator in Football Operations.
During a press conference on Thursday, Dean discussed his decision to retire as a player from the CFL.
“To say that this was a tough decision would be an understatement. Ultimately though, there comes a time where even I realize that I couldn’t play this beautiful game forever,” he said.
“The opportunity presented itself and knowing that this is a row that I see myself in and always wanted to work towards … and a little less tread on the tires man, just had to ultimately make the decision.”
Reflecting on his time with the CFL and with the Riders, Dean said he has plenty of good memories.
“Here we are, a bunch of seasons later with many memories and comrades I’ll never forget, bonds that won’t be broken, all because of this great league,” he said.
“I had a lot of fun…” This sport has provided me with experiences that will last a lifetime, as well as destinations to visit and opportunities to travel.”
Dean also leads the Larry Dean Foundation, which invests in the youth of Tifton, Georgia.
Prior to entering the CFL, Dean signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2011, becoming the lone undrafted free agent to make the team. After three seasons with the Vikings, he played one season with the Buffalo Bills.
During his CFL career, he appeared in 108 regular-season games and recorded 570 career tackles, 15 special teams tackles, 11 sacks, seven interceptions, and eight forced turnovers.
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