CFL Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Two Ticats Legends Officially Retire

Published on August 27, 2007 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Hamilton Tiger-Cats News Release


Hamilton, Ontario - Today, former Tiger-Cats Rob Hitchcock and Mike Morreale officially announced their retirement after successful 12-year Canadian Football League careers. The Ticats will pay tribute to both players during a special halftime ceremony during the team's upcoming Labour Day Classic game on September 3.

"We're honoured Rob and Mike have announced their retirement as Tiger-Cats. Through their 20 combined seasons with the Ticats, both individuals demonstrated that they are tremendous players but even better people," said president Scott Mitchell. "As an organization, the only proper way to celebrate the careers of Rob and Mike is halftime of our most prestigious game - the Labour Day Classic."

Hitchcock was the Ticats second-round (17th overall) selection in the 1995 CFL Draft. In 12 seasons, all with the Black and Gold, Hitchcock played 200 games and became the Ticats all-time leader in defensive tackles (482) as well as special teams tackles (122) and also recorded the third most interceptions in team history (36).

The Weber State product was named as a CFL All-Star twice and an East Division All-Star three times and played an instrumental role on the Ticats 1999 Grey Cup championship team.

"It is truly fitting for both Mike and I to retire on Labour Day. Being from Hamilton and having played many seasons on a team with such great tradition, I am honoured to have my career celebrated at such a significant game. We played with a lot of heart and gave everything we had on every play and I am satisfied to leave this game with pride," said Hitchcock.

Morreale played eight seasons in Hamilton, 12 in the CFL, and remarkably never missed a single game in that entire span. In 216 career games, Morreale recorded 509 receptions for 6,649 yards and 24 touchdowns.

He captured two Grey Cups, one with Toronto in 1996 and one with Hamilton in which he was named the championship's Most Outstanding Canadian in 1999.

"It will be an absolute honour to share the field with Rob on Labour Day during halftime of a game that we took part in many times. To retire as a Tiger-Cat in front of my family and the hometown fans is a celebration that I will never forget, " said Morreale.

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Canadian Football League Stories from August 27, 2007


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