Legendary CFL defensive end Charleston Hughes has officially announced his retirement from professional football.
The 40-year-old made the announcement via a statement to his Twitter account on Friday, tagging all three of his former CFL clubs. He last saw action with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2022 but did not sign with a team last season after becoming a free agent in February 2023.
Hughes’ full statement can be read below. It has been lightly edited for clarity.
“I had the opportunity to celebrate my 40th b-day but let’s be real, I’ll be 39 for life. In 2008, I was blessed and forever thankful to have been discovered by John Murphy. This sport called football has taken me on a journey that I truly didn’t believe was possible for
myself. The relationships I have created over the years will be my brothers and friends for
life. After 14 years of CFL football and 136 surfboard sacks, it is time to retire and put
closure to an absolutely amazing journey. The CFL is an incredible league that has
changed my life and helped develop me into the man I am today. The fans have shown me so much love and support and I made sure I thanked each one that I came across with the
utmost generosity and respect. I love you all. During my 14-year career, there are many
people to be thankful for a HOF career. I will make sure I call each one and thank them
individually for the time and efforts devoted to my success. The roar of that CFL crowd will
definitely be missed. Thank you all for your time and respect. If you have my number, call me.”
As part of his post, Hughes specifically thanked John Murphy, John Hufnagel, Chris Jones Donald Durett, Pat Riepma, Adam Gonzaga, Rich Stubler and DeVone Claybrooks.
A graduate of Northwood University, Hughes first signed with the Calgary Stampeders in 2008 and went on to play 10 seasons with the organization, interrupted only by a training camp stint with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009. He was traded to the Saskatchewan Roughriders by way of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats ahead of the 2018 season and played three years with that team over two separate stints, departing during the 2021 campaign for a brief foray with the Toronto Argonauts.
The four-time CFL sack champion suited up for 202 regular-season contests and sits fifth all-time in CFL history with 136 career sacks to his name. He also amassed 519 defensive tackles, 39 special teams tackles, 19 forced fumbles, 13 fumble recoveries, three interceptions and three defensive touchdowns.
The native of Saginaw, Michigan was an eight-time West Division all-star and six-time CFL all-star but never took home Most Outstanding Defensive Player honours, losing out to Chip Cox in 2013 after posting a career-high 18 sacks. He helped the Stampeders win Grey Cups in 2008 and 2014, finishing his tenure in Calgary tied with Will Johnson for the franchise’s all-time sacks record with 99.
