Scott Schultz Retires

He fulfilled a boyhood dream of suiting up for the Green and White. A dream where he'd hoist the Grey Cup high above his head, bringing glory to the Province of Saskatchewan. A dream that has now come to an end.

After nine years with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Scott Schultz is calling it a career - announcing his retirement this morning in Regina. The Defensive Lineman says he'll miss running out on Labour Day this year and that it will be weird to see the boys play on Friday in BC while he's sitting at home in Regina.

Schutlz went on to say that while this chapter of his life may be over, it isn't the end of his being a "Roughrider". He was a Rider even before he played for the team and is thrilled to have not only suited up for the Green and White but to have won the Grey Cup in 2007. A dream come true for a boy from Moose Jaw.

At the age of 31, he was beginning to move past the prime of his career. Add in a wife and child and certainly one can understand that there's more to life than football. So when a "major business opportunity" presented itself, he took advantage and did what's best for both himself and his family. He retired mid-way through this season to concentrate on his newly acquired insurance company in Regina.

I'm thankful for everything that Schultz has brought to the Riders organization. No one will ever question his pride, talent, passion, and desire to succeed. From a media perspective, he was great for a quote and always had something interesting to say.

With that said, I must admit I'm not happy with his decision. (cue the Rider fans chasing me with a pitchfork for saying such a thing)

I realize there may be more to this story than is publically revealed (rumors are flying that he was about to be cut or see his playing time reduced) but just concentrating on the facts - I'm disappointed.

I'm disappointed because he clearly was thinking about this acquisition prior to the start of the CFL season. He was preparing for life after football - and there's nothing wrong with that. What bothers me is that he must have known that there was a very good chance the acquisition of this business would go through before the end of the year. Given that he decided he'd quit playing football as soon as the deal was approved - I question his decision to even play this season.

Would it not have been better for the team if he retired prior to the start of the season? It would give the Riders a chance to shop around for a replacement or help prepare his backup for a starting role.

It's not like Scott Schultz was a minor piece to the Riders puzzle. He was focal point of this club - a natural and outspoken leader - one that leads by example both on and off the field. Losing a guy like that at any point is difficult, but to lose him midway through the season is a tough pill to swallow.
I must stress that I have no problem with him putting both himself and his family first - in fact, I admire him for that. I just think he should have considered that maybe he should have retired before Week 1 in the best interest of the club.

Then again, maybe I'm just way off the mark.

Thanks anyways Schultzy - you were great and I wouldn't be surprised to see your name on the Plaza of Honor one day. And if you're as good in the insurance field as you were on the grid iron, there's no doubt you'll see a ton of success.