Calgary Stampeders running back Jon Cornish at BC stadium during practice in Vancouver November 26, 2014. Cornish has announced his retirement.John Lehmann/The Globe and Mail
Calgary Stampeders running back Jon Cornish announced his retirement Wednesday after nine CFL seasons, three rushing titles and two Grey Cup rings.
The 31-year-old from New Westminster, B.C., was the CFL's leading rusher and top Canadian from 2012 to 2014. But he was limited to just nine games in each of the last two seasons due to injuries.
"I'm very comfortable with my decision," said Cornish. "Over the years with this team, I feel we've been able to achieve everything that is possible to achieve both as a team and as an individual."
Cornish broke Normie Kwong's 56-year-old single-season rushing record for a Canadian with 1,457 yards in 2012.
Cornish broke his own record the following year with 1,813 rushing yards and was named the CFL's most outstanding player. That season he became the first CFL player to win the Lou Marsh Trophy, awarded by The Toronto Star to Canada's top athlete, since Russ Jackson in 1969.
"Jon was an exceptional player for this franchise and I congratulate him on an excellent career," said Stampeders general manager John Hufnagel, who was head coach for eight of Cornish's nine seasons in Calgary.
"He earned his dues early in his career with hard work and commitment on special teams while gradually earning more playing time on offence. After he became the starter, he developed into one of the best running backs in the history of this franchise and this league."
Cornish made just nine starts in 2014 but still led the league in rushing with 1,082 yards. The Stampeders went on to win the 2014 Grey Cup 20-16 over Hamilton, though the Tiger-Cats held Cornish to 25 yards on nine carries.
The three-time all-star spent his entire CFL career with the Stampeders. Despite making just 60 career starts, Cornish finished his career as the fourth-leading rusher in Stampeders history with 6,844 yards.
"My appreciation to the league, the Calgary Stampeders, to the media and to the fans can not be overstated," said Cornish. "I've been humbled by the magnitude of what this sport means to people in this country."