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CFL Toronto Argonauts

Argos Say Goodbye To Three Warriors

February 27, 2009 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Toronto Argonauts News Release


Toronto - The Toronto Argonauts hosted a gathering to celebrate the careers of three CFL warriors as the playing days of C Chad Folk and S Chris Hardy came to an end and LB Mike O'Shea closed the chapter on his career with the Argos. These three team captains each represent a different phase of the game with a different leadership style and collectively have 40 years of CFL playing experience, 6 Grey Cup championships and 652 games played under their belts.

Argonauts CEO Michael "Pinball" Clemons commented on Folk, O'Shea and Hardy, players he coached and played with and against. "Champions. Battlers. Fighters. Heroes. Warriors. Too lofty of praise for mere football players? Only if you don't know them! Each of them has certainly earned, deserves and demands their own space. But what is more impressive on this occasion is the depth of character, sense of commitment, love of team, affinity to fight, passion to be the best and respect for fans, family, football and country that these three distinctly different men possess. It's yet another great day to be an Argonaut as we don't just honour great football players but great citizens. In my eyes, I see an unsung hero, a selfless leader and one of the best to ever play the game. Who's who? Today it doesn't matter - they're all great."

Chad Folk enjoyed the rare distinction of playing all of his 12 CFL years as a Toronto Argonaut, after being selected first overall in the 1997 CFL Canadian Draft. His 194 games played is the fourth-most in Argos history and the second-most by a lineman. The offensive team captain was nominated as an All-Time Argo at centre, named the Argos Most Outstanding Lineman in 1999 and 2004 and did not miss a start from 2002 to 2008. This CFL warrior was a Grey Cup Champion in 1997 and 2004 and his quiet leadership was an example to all of his teammates.

Chad Folk stated, "I would like to thank the entire Toronto Argonauts organization, past and present, for giving me the opportunity to do what most people only dream of. I am proud to say that I played my entire 12 year career with the Argos and that I was fortunate to have won two Grey Cup championships with the teammates and coaches I had. The memories and friendships I have from my time with the Argos will last a lifetime."

Argos GM/VP, Football Operations, Adam Rita talked about Folk, "Chad always gave me confidence that we would get good leadership upfront and he would be prepared to quarterback the o-line. Before games, I always used to go to him and shake his hand. He always looked me straight in the eye and gave the quiet sense that all was well. This was reflected in his play."

Chris "Hard Rock" Hardy played six of his 12 year CFL career in Double Blue. A team captain on special teams, this warrior was often an unsung hero as he led his teammates through his unique sense of humour. The 2004 Grey Cup Champion played 187 CFL games and was CFL Defensive Player of the Week in 2000. Hardy missed the playoffs only three times in his career after being picked in the 6th Round, 47th overall, by Edmonton in the 1997 CFL Canadian Draft. Hardy's versatility saw him play Defensive Back, Safety, Cornerback, Receiver, Special Teams coverage, Kicker and Punter at various times throughout his career.

Hardy offered some thoughts about his career, "Thanks to the Argos and the Edmonton Eskimos for giving me the opportunity to play in the CFL. It's been a privilege to play in a league with so much history in Canada. It has been a true honour to play with and against so many CFL greats including Mike O'Shea, Willie Pless, Gizmo Williams and Pinball Clemons. It's been exciting to be able to play across this great country in front of so many great fans. This part of my life was a joy and I'm proud to be able to have played in the CFL as long as I did. I wasn't the biggest or fastest player but if I could be remembered as a great locker room guy and good teammate, that would be the biggest compliment."

Rita commented, "Hardy was our leader on special teams. He also was very good at bringing levity to sensitive situations. He led by example and was valuable as a backup kicker, helping us win games in clutch moments. He played a lot of positions without letting us down. Hardy was a true warrior who rarely questioned; you could depend on him to get it done. This quality allowed people to do their jobs. With Hardy you knew what to expect - he was always dependable."

Mike O'Shea has been one of the most revered and feared players in the history of the CFL. A Grey Cup Champion in 1996, 1997 and 2004, this warrior's 1,151 Defensive Tackles is second-most in CFL history (Willie Pless, 1,241), making him the only Canadian ever to record 1000+ career DTs. Mike O'Shea played for The Boatmen in 12 of his 16 CFL seasons, earning him a spot at linebacker on the All-Time Argos depth chart. This defensive captain's 205 games played is second in Argos history (Don Moen, 222) and his 822 defensive tackles is a club record. O'Shea is the only Argonaut in club history to be named CFL Most Outstanding Canadian (1999). #50 was named the East Division Most Outstanding Canadian (Lew Hayman Award) in 1999, a CFL All-Star in 1999, an East All-Star in 1994, 1997, 1999 and 2000, a North Division All-Star in 1995, the Argos Most Outstanding Player in 1999 and the Argos Most Outstanding Canadian in 1997 and 1999. His 271 games played is more than any defensive player in CFL history. "Osh" made the CFL playoffs in 13 of 16 seasons and played in 18 post-season games (not including Grey Cups). His 15 defensive tackles in three Grey Cup games are the most in club history.

O'Shea remarked, "At this time, not having the opportunity to play football is leaving a void in my life. I am appreciative of my time with the Argonauts and the championships we won together. Teammates, medical staff, coaches, equipment staff, owners and fans - I made some great friendships along the way which I will continue to cherish as I will always treasure my time in Double Blue. Football is still in my blood and always will be."

Rita reflected, "Osh was always prepared emotionally. He played like a middle linebacker should: with passion, emotion and determination that were second to none. His leadership skills on and off the field were number one. He is a fiery type of leader with whom you wanted to go to battle. He is 'old school' in his beliefs and could play through injury and pain. He was our orator to the officials and would stand up for what he believed was right, while still being respectful."

Each warrior was presented with a customized plaque for their years of service as they prepare to embark on the next stage of their lives.

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