Toronto Argonauts' Willie Pile acknowledges the crowd after the team's last CFL football home game, against Hamilton Tiger-Cats in Toronto, November 3, 2011.MARK BLINCH/Reuters
Veteran safety and linebacker Willie Pile says he prepared like he would play for the Toronto Argonauts this season, but he has instead decided to retire.
After five CFL seasons, 88 regular season games and over 400 tackles, Pile announced his retirement from the Canadian Football League in a statement Tuesday. He became a free agent in February and opted at that time to sign a new contract to remain an Argo. He since decided to call it a career.
"As I turn the calendar page to the 32nd year of my life, I have also decided to turn a page on my career and retire from professional football," said Pile. "Although I have been preparing extremely hard for the opportunity to compete to hoist the Grey Cup in the great city of Toronto this season, the circumstances and the timing surrounding my decision have been very challenging. I am fully confident that this is the best decision for my family and I at this time."
He said he will focus on being at home with family and working with high performance high school, university and professional athletes. He lives in Texas with wife Keia and their four-year old son, Jaylen.
While playing both linebacker and safety, Pile was an East Division all-star in 2010 and the Argos' Outstanding Defensive Player in 2008. He was defensive captain for the 2010 and 2011 seasons. Over his career, he had 441 total tackles, 13 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries and 12 interceptions.
He played his entire CFL career with the Argos. Before that, Pile spent four years in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Dallas Cowboys.
Rachel Brady