Calgary Stampeders offensive lineman Jeff Pilon, right, lets fans touch the Grey Cup after the team was honoured by the City of Calgary, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008.Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press
Calgary Stampeders offensive lineman Jeff Pilon retired Friday after 10 seasons in the CFL.
Pilon, 34, 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," Pilon said in a statement. "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 fulfil it."
Pilon, 34, spent his entire pro career with Calgary. He appeared in 147 regular-season games and was part of two Grey Cup-winning teams (2001, 2008).
"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-GM 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."
Pilon, of Ottawa, was drafted by Winnipeg in 1999 but never played for the Blue Bombers. He was traded to Calgary in 2000 and from 2002 to 2006 appeared in 74 straight games.