Andy Fantuz retires after 12 CFL seasons

Veteran receiver Andy Fantuz, the CFL's Most Outstanding Canadian in 2010, announced his retirement Thursday after a 12-year career split evenly between the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Saskatchewan Roughriders.

"Thank you ALL!" Fantuz wrote in a statement. "It has been an honour to represent the Tiger-Cats and Roughriders organizations, both on and off the field, for the past 12 years. The support from these two communities, and incredible reception I felt from all CFL cities, is what makes this game so special. I will keep you all in my heart forever."

Fantuz, 34, leaves the CFL with a legacy as one of the top Canadians to ever play professional football. Among players born north of the border, he ranks fourth in league history in receptions and ninth in receiving yards.

Fantuz won the Grey Cup with Saskatchewan in 2007, and appeared in the championship game four other times. He was named the Grey Cup's Most Valuable Canadian in 2007 and 2014.

A product of the Western Mustangs, Fantuz enjoyed his most productive season with the Tiger-Cats in 2016, hauling in 101 receptions for 1,059 yards and five touchdowns.

He did not appear on a CFL roster this season.