Ryan King Retires from the CFL
Published on April 13, 2021 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Edmonton Elks News Release
(Edmonton) - The EE Football Team announces that long snapper Ryan King has retired from the Canadian Football League.
"Ryan King is easily one of the best people I've had the privilege to be around in football and in life," said GM/VP of Football Operations Brock Sunderland. "His impact in the locker-room, on the field, and in the community is second to none. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours and have no doubt he'll provide the same character, leadership, and devotion he gave to this team for 9 years to wherever he goes next. Once. Always."
"I want to thank the Edmonton Football Club for having the trust and support in me over the past eight seasons," said King. "I am forever grateful the memories and time we shared together."
King was originally drafted by his home town team in the 5th round (38th overall) in the 2012 CFL Draft after playing junior football for the Edmonton Wildcats and University football at Saint Mary's University. He finished his CFL career playing 122 games, all for the EE Football Team, recording 36 special teams tackles alongside his long-snapping duties, and winning the 2015 Grey Cup.
Outside of football, King was a pillar in the community and a great ambassador for the CFL game. He made countless community appearances over his eight seasons with the team. King has visited the Ukraine and Kuwait to meet with Canadian Armed Forces, organized football camps with former teammate Calvin McCarty, spoke on anti-bullying measures through TELUSWise, spoke out on gender-based violence with the VOICE program, and partnered with Kids Sport to bring children to football games.
King was also a prominent figure in the team's Northern outreach programs, visiting both Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk in the North West Territories.
His work off the field has been acknowledged by his peers - King has been a CFLPA player representative for years - as well as the team and the league. King was team's 2018 David Boone Award winner, he was a two-time Jake Gaudaur Veterans Award nominee, and he won the 2018 Tom Pate Award (The CFL Award for sportsmanship and community work).
"I look back with such pride thinking of all the work that was accomplished in our community," said King. "The endless support and community engagement I received over my career, is something I will always be grateful for."
Canadian Football League Stories from April 13, 2021
- Ryan King Retires from the CFL - Edmonton Elks
- RedBlacks Graydon Campbell and Junior Joseph Announce Retirements - Ottawa RedBlacks
- Steinauer and Walker Named to Canadian Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2021 - Hamilton Tiger-Cats
- Marv Levy Inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame - Montreal Alouettes
- Will Johnson, Nik Lewis and Doug Mitchell Are Part of 2021 Hall of Fame Class - Calgary Stampeders
- Former Argos Orlondo Steinauer and Don Wilson to be Inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame - Toronto Argonauts
- Canadian Football Hall of Fame to Welcome Five Players and Two Builders - CFL
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
