Marwan Hage, offensive lineman for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.John Morstad/The Globe and Mail
After 10 seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, offensive lineman Marwan Hage announced his retirement Monday rather than accept a spot with the expansion Ottawa RedBlacks.
The former CFL all-star dressed for 141 regular-season games and six playoff games over his career.
"I am incredibly thankful to have the chance to play 10 years in the Canadian Football League," Hage said in a release. "My career has provided me with a lifetime full of memories and relationships that I will cherish for the rest of my life."
The 32-year-old centre was left unprotected in the Ottawa expansion draft.
Hage was born in Lebanon but grew up in Montreal. He was selected by Hamilton with the 14th overall pick in the 2004 CFL Draft and was a CFL all-star in 2010 and a two-time East Division all-star ('07, '10).
Hage was presented with the CFL's Tom Pate Memorial Award in 2009 in recognition of his philanthropic efforts in Hamilton. He was also named to the all-time Ticats team in 2012.
"Marwan has been a true professional and an exceptional representative of the Tiger-Cats since his arrival in Hamilton," said team president Scott Mitchell. "He has been a tremendous presence on the field, in the locker-room and in our community.
"We look forward to working with Marwan for years to come and congratulate him on an outstanding playing career."