Esks' Groenewegen calls it a career
May 6, 2004 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Edmonton Elks News Release
(Edmonton) After 17 CFL seasons, 298 regular season games playing in the trenches, 15 playoff appearances and 3 Grey Cup games, veteran Edmonton Eskimos guard Leo Groenewegen announced his retirement today.
A four-time CFL All-Star and West Division All-Star, Leo capped off his outstanding career in winning fashion as Edmonton downed Montreal in the 2003 Grey Cup. Groenewegen says To win my first Grey Cup in my last game was an incredible thrill and to help bring the Cup back to Edmonton was especially sweet. The fans and the Eskimo organization have been great to me and my family and Im proud to call Edmonton my home.
Groenewegen remains fifth on the CFLs all-time list with 252 consecutive games played from 1987 2000 (w/ Ottawa, BC, Edmonton) and sixth on the all-time games played list. The former star at UBC was Ottawas 1st selection (1st overall) in the 1987 CFL Canadian College Draft. He was traded to BC in 1989 and spent five seasons with the Lions before joining Edmonton in 1994.
Eskimo Head Coach Tom Higgins says, Leo will always have a special place in my heart as he represents the first player I ever traded for when I came to the Eskimos. He represents everything that this organization stands for on and off the field and he will be missed by all of us. I am very happy that he has had the opportunity to go out as a champion.
Leo Groenewegen
OG (Non-import)
Born: August 13, 1965 Vancouver, BC
UBC
Yrs Eskimos: 10
Yrs CFL: 17
Yrs Pro: 17
Games Played 2003: 10
Career GP: 298
Playoffs Games: 15
Grey Cup Appearances: 3 (2003, 2002, 1996)
Acquired: Traded to Edmonton from BC for future considerations on June 22, 1994.
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- Esks' Groenewegen calls it a career - Edmonton Elks
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