CFL Canadian running back Jon Cornish is walking away from the game he loved to play. His hard nosed style of play throughout out his career made him exciting to watch and tough to play against. But that style of play has cost him in the form of numerous concussions.
This move was expected, even more so when the Stampeders executed a trade for Jerome Messam near the end of the 2015 season.
Cornish was a three time all-star, the 2013 league MOP, a two time Grey Cup Champion and a three time most outstanding Canadian.
His downhill running style will be remembered for a long time to come. Over his eight year career, all with the Stampeders, Cornish averaged 6.8 yards per carry in the regular season and 6.1 yards per carry in the playoffs.
His best season was in 2013, when he took home league MOP and Most Outstanding Canadian. In the the 2013 season he ran all over the league for 1813 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Cornish’s starting career in the CFL may have been short but it was very sweet. From 2010, when he started gaining more carry opportunities, it was obvious that this back was a special talent. In 2012 Cornish had his breakout season, rushing for 1457 yards and winning the league rushing title.
Cornish will be missed. He paved the road for future Canadians thinking they can’t be a starter at running back in the CFL. Thanks to Jon Cornish, it’s no longer an import position. The John Cornish retirement came too soon, but he leaves behind a great legacy.
