Tom Europe retires
Published on May 18, 2004 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers News Release
WINNIPEG, MB â After 11 CFL seasons, all-star safety Tom Europe is leaving the game.
Europe (5-11, 195, Bishop's '92, DOB: July 27, 1970 in Toronto, ON) today announced his retirement from football. He played five years for the Blue & Gold, during which time he appeared in 80 regular-season games, five playoffs contests and one Grey Cup. For his 11 CFL campaigns, Europe played in a total of 175 regular-season games, 13 playoff battles and two Grey Cups.
Europe has been very busy over the past few months preparing for life after football. Working as a personal trainer, the versatile Europe has also been acting, modeling and learning marshal arts. Soon, Europe will expand his career to include working in the media.
Europe left Winnipeg with the football club's 6th-best career defensive tackles total with 223.
THE CFL YEARS â 2003
Europe only suited up for eight of Winnipeg's 18 regular-season games in 2003 because of a nagging hamstring injury. He finished the 2003 campaign with 11 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, one pass knockdown and one fumble return for seven yards and a touchdown (Winnipeg vs. Montréal, July 24, 2003).
THE CFL YEARS â 2002
Europe played in all 18 regular-season games for Winnipeg in 2002, as well as the West Semifinal and West Final games. His stellar play earned Europe West Division All-Star Team honors at safety.
He totaled 34 defensive tackles, five special teams tackles, three interception returns for 32 yards, two quarterback sacks, two tackles for a loss of seven yards and one forced fumble.
THE CFL YEARS â 2001
Europe had 47 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, one fumble return for 39 yards, one tackle for a loss and one pass knockdown in 2001.
He recorded his 400th career defensive tackle early in the 2001 season (Winnipeg @ Hamilton, July 26, 2001). He played in 50th game as a Blue Bomber in October (Winnipeg @ Edmonton, Oct. 5, 2001). The Blue Bombers re-signed Europe Feb. 14, 2001 after he had he best CFL season to that date.
THE CFL YEARS â 2000
In 2000, Europe continued to show people that he was one of the premier safeties in the CFL. Appearing in 17 games in the 2000 season â his 8th in the CFL and 2nd with Winnipeg â he posted career highs in defensive tackles (75), interceptions (4) and interception return yards (117). He tied for 7th in the CFL in defensive tackles and was the top non-linebacker in that category.
More importantly, Europe's dreaded kill shots on would-be receivers made opponents leery about venturing across the middle of the field to make a catch.
THE CFL YEARS â 1999
The 1999 season was Europe's first in a Blue Bombers uniform. He appeared in all 18 games for Winnipeg that year. His vast experience made him a natural leader to Winnipeg's younger defensive backs.
THE CFL YEARS â 1993-1998
Europe came to the CFL after the British Columbia Lions chose him in the 2nd Round (9th Overall) of the 1993 Canadian College Draft. In his rookie season with B.C., Europe appeared in 10 games and recorded 44 defensive tackles, 10 special teams tackles, two interceptions and one knockdown and a fumble recovery.
In 1994, Europe won a Grey Cup under the guidance of current Bombers head coach Dave Ritchie. Then in 1995, Europe had one of his best years ever, earning a berth on the CFL Northern Division All-Star Team.
After four solid seasons with the Lions, Europe tested the NFL waters. He signed as a free agent with the New Orleans Saints in March 1997, only to be released in the team's final training camp cutdown.
He returned to the CFL with the Montréal Alouettes in August 1997. In a mere half-season, Europe delighted Als fans with 26 defensive tackles, three interceptions, a quarterback sack and two fumble recoveries â one of which he took 99 yards to the house for a touchdown.
THE COLLEGE YEARS â BISHOP'S GAITERS
Before the CFL, Europe had an outstanding college career at Bishop's University.
He was a CIAU First-Team All-Canadian in 1992 based on his four interceptions for 166 return yards and one return touchdown, 42 defensive tackles and seven punt returns for 115 yards.
He took home the prestigious Harry Jerome Award in 1993 for outstanding achievement in academics, athletics and community work.
Canadian Football League Stories from May 18, 2004
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- Childress Retires - Calgary Stampeders
- Renegades announce training camp schedule - Ottawa Renegades
- Esks tee it up at 7th Annual Concordia Eskimo Open - Edmonton Elks
- Tickets for 2004 games on sale tomorrow - Montreal Alouettes
- Game at Olympic Stadium announced - Montreal Alouettes
- Tom Europe retires - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Stamps sign pair of defensive backs - Calgary Stampeders
- Esks' add fifth quarterback to camp roster - Edmonton Elks
- Brad Watters named Businessman of the Year - Ottawa Renegades
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