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Redblacks offensive lineman Alex Mateas announces retirement after five CFL seasons

Jul 5, 2021 | 3:40 PM

OTTAWA — Canadian offensive lineman Alex Mateas has retired, the Ottawa Redblacks announced Monday.

Ottawa selected Mateas first overall in the 2015 CFL draft. He spent his entire career with the Redblacks, helping the team win the Grey Cup in 2016.

“Well, RNation, it has been an absolute pleasure representing you on and off the field,” Mateas said in a statement. “I will forever be grateful for the experiences and memories … To all the fans, teammates, coaches, friends, foes, competitors and everyone in between: thank you.”

Mateas, 30, played his college football at the University of Connecticut. The six-foot-four 317-pounder appeared in 88 games for the Redblacks and was an East Division all-star in 2017 and 2018.