THE CANADIAN PRESS
Julian Radlein has called it a career.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats burly fullback announced his retirement Wednesday after five seasons with the CFL club.
“I’d like to thank the organization, my teammates, and the fans for my five great years as a Tiger-Cat,” Radlein said in a statement. “This is the hardest decision I have ever had to make, but it’s a necessary step for where I am at personally and professionally.
“I will sincerely miss the game and will continue to be with the team in spirit. I wish my teammates, the coaches and the organization the best of luck this season.”
Hamilton selected the six-foot-two, 245-pound Radlein in the first round, third overall, of the 2003 CFL Canadian college draft out of the University of British Columbia.
Radlein quickly earned a starting spot as a rookie with his crushing blocks and rugged, physical running style. However, it became apparent last year that the native of Kingston, Jamaica, faced an uphill battle fitting into head coach Charlie Taaffe’s offence this season.
After starting all 18 games in 2006, Radlein dressed for 15 contests last year — Taaffe’s first with the Ticats — but only started once and spent the final three games of the year on the injured list.
Radlein appeared in 84 games with the Ticats, running for 386 yards on 144 carries and scoring 19 touchdowns. He added 66 career catches for 551 yards and a TD.
“On behalf of the Ticats, I’d like to thank Julian for his contributions to this organization,” Taaffe said. “His presence on the field and in our community will be missed.
“We wish him luck with his future endeavours.”
