Calgary Stampeders offensive lineman Jeff Pilon announced today his retirement from the Canadian Football League. Pilon will remain in Calgary and work for Gridiron Blasting. "It's just been an unbelievable ride but this new career opportunity was one I just couldn't pass up," said Pilon. "It's been an absolute honour to be part of the best organization in the CFL and to play for the best fans in the CFL. Playing professional football was I dream that I had and I was able to fulfill it." Pilon, 34, spent all 10 of his CFL seasons with the Stampeders and retires with 147 regular-season games under his belt. He won the 2008 Grey Cup as the team's starting right tackle and was also a member of the Stamps' 2001 Grey Cup championship squad, although he was unable to play in that game due to injury. Prior to retiring, his 147 games played ranked first among all active Calgary players and 25th on the Stampeders' all-time list. "You always hate to lose a player who has contributed as much as Jeff has over the years, but he has a fantastic opportunity to transition into a new career and we wish him the best," said head coach/general manager John Hufnagel. "Jeff gave everything he had on every snap in every game. He played through pain and was always a valuable member of our team on the field and in the locker-room. "His retirement definitely creates a void on the right side of the line, but it also creates an opportunity for someone to step up, attempt to fill his big shoes and try to have a career as prolific as his was." A native of Ottawa, Pilon now lives year-round in Calgary with his wife, Kelly, and children Jake and Keira. Pilon was drafted by Winnipeg in 1999 but never played for the Blue Bombers. He was traded to Calgary in 2000 and made his professional debut that year, with brother Marc as one of his teammates. Pilon was a West Division all-star in 2005 and was part of the offensive line that helped Joffrey Reynolds win the league rushing title in both 2008 and 2009. In one five-year stretch from 2002 to 2006, Pilon put together an ironman streak of 74 consecutive games. He was also heavily involved in the community and in recent years he had served as the Stampeders' spokesman for the CUPS Health and Education Centres. Stamps 2010 season tickets are available now. Fans are encouraged to contact the Stampeders' Ticket Office by phone at 403-289-0258 to get theirs today.
