Calgary Stampeder Jon Cornish announced his retirement from CFL football in a press conference on Wednesday. Was this expected? Probably. Is the Cornish retirement a bad thing for the Stampeders? Not necessarily.
“Nine years. Nine years for number nine; I think that’s fitting. But you know, all good things come to an end”, started Jon Cornish at his press conference on Wednesday to announce his retirement from football. He went on to thank his coaches, teammates, fans and the media for a chance of a lifetime to play professional football. I could go on and list his accomplishments that he achieved in those years, but his focus was on why and what next; so I’ll do the same.
Why Retirement?
I don’t think it will come as a big surprise to anyone that Jon Cornish mentioned his concussion injuries as one of his decisions to leave. Concussion and concussion protocol kept Cornish off the field for most of the 2015 season. Cornish said that he had made two decisions; that if he got one more concussion and if he finished the season, that would be it for him. He also recognized that every football player has a “shelf life” and he had to consider what contribution could he make and what risks he puts himself in continuing to play. Cornish also talked about his financial advisor career and a desire to pursue that.
So was his retirement a surprise? No, I think you could ask any fan or sports analyst that when Jerome Messam was brought in by the Calgary Stampeders on the trade deadline that this season may be the end for Jon Cornish, at least in Calgary. Very few speculated that he would continue playing for another team.
What’s Next?
Cornish clarified to the press that this a retirement from the field, but not from football. He expressed a wish to follow in Geroy Simon’s footsteps and participate at an executive level for the Calgary Stampeders. Because of all his concussion issues, he wants to be an advocate for brain health and awareness. This falls very much in line with Cornish’s heavy involvement and advocacy in the LGBTQ community in Calgary.
As sad as it may be to see such a talented football player leave the sport, is Cornish’s departure a bad thing for the Stampeders? I don’t think it is. Not to take away from what Cornish accomplished on the field and as a team leader, but as Cornish mentioned himself, every player has a shelf life.
No fan ever wants to see their favourite player leave the team or see a lot of changes to their team in the off season, but the fact remains that CFL football is still a business. Football organizations have to make money, and that means bringing in new talent and letting rookies pave the way for the future. Yes, I’m a believer of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, but Cornish was starting to break, or arguably broken already. I think it’s best he leave when his legacy and health is good. Plus, Jerome Messam as a replacement is definitely nothing to worry about.
Even though he hopes to participate at an executive level, I see Jon Cornish playing an active role in some coaching capacity. Being an active participant in the community and his talent and love of football, coaching would be a natural progression for him.
Reaction from Fans and Teammates
Social media was immediately filled with support and gratitude for Jon Cornish. Fans on Facebook flooded pages with favourite Cornish memories and thousands of fans wished Cornish luck, good health and gratitude. Probably some of the most warm wishes came from Cornish’s teammates.
Leah Hennel reported in the Calgary Herald comments made by teammate Rob Cote: “Mixed emotions for sure; I’m very happy for Jon. I kind of knew this was coming. On the personal side, disappointed to see him go. That’s been my dude, my locker mate, teammate, roommate on the road and friend for nine years now. I don’t have anyone to make fun of anymore. You become so intertwined with somebody… it’s just going to be weird. I don’t know the Calgary Stampeders without Jon Cornish. He’s definitely the greatest player that I’ve played with.”
Agreed. As a fan, it will be weird to not see him on the field next year. But as Cornish said himself, all good things come to an end, and what a great nine years he gave fans. Good luck and thank you, Jon Cornish.
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