Fans, players and media express their appreciation for John Chick

There’s been quite the outpouring of appreciation for John Chick after the defensive end announced his retirement on Friday.

Chick was undoubtedly a great player. In 125 career games, Chick had 242 tackles and 72 sacks, numbers that would have been higher had he not left for the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts in 2010 and played 19 games over two seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars before returning to the CFL in 2013. He was named the CFL’s top defensive player in 2009 and won two Grey Cups.

Chick is also, by all accounts, a great dude. Known for his strong religious beliefs, large family and work ethic, Chick also battled Type 1 diabetes and raised awareness for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Between the player and the person, it’s hardly surprising that fans, former teammates and members of the media took to Twitter after the announcement to wish him well. Here’s a sampling:

I’m not sure you are ever “retired” when you have 8 kids, but all the best post CFL retirement to @johnchick97, a true pro and class act in his HoF bound career.

— Chris Cuthbert (@CCpxpSN) March 30, 2018

Heck of a career bud @johnchick97 It was a pleasure sharing the field with you for so many years. Best of luck with what’s next! 🍻

— Chris Getzlaf (@ChrisGetzlaf) March 30, 2018

@johnchick97 Was fun playing against you, but I will not miss being hit by you. Congrats on retirement! https://t.co/k9PuR2cAU4

— Matt Nichols (@MattNichols16) March 30, 2018

Congrats on a great career! I'll miss the battles for sure. ✊🏿 @johnchick97

— SirVincent Rogers Sr. (@SirV55) March 30, 2018

It was an honor to play with you @johnchick97 https://t.co/53dd5nktNj

— Rico Murray (@Mr513RicoMurray) March 30, 2018

John Chick was great player on the #cfl field. A better man off it. An amazing role model for all involved in the CFL. Best of luck to @johnchick97 and family in his retirement. #hewillbemissed.

— Murray McCormick (@murrayMcc57) March 30, 2018

Congratulations and happy trails to John Chick on an outstanding #CFL career.

We’ll always have ‘07 and ‘13.#RiderPride pic.twitter.com/J12PZUjqpn

— Saskatchewan Roughriders (@sskroughriders) March 30, 2018

https://twitter.com/fakeGAINER/status/979805296477462529

A NUMBER OF EMOTIONS WENT THROUGH ME TALKING TO @JOHNCHICK97 THIS MORNING – HAPPY FOR HIM AND HIS FAMILY – SAD FOR THE GAME WHICH LOSES A GREAT PLAYER – GRATEFUL FOR HAVING HAD THE CHANCE TO BE AROUND HIM, HE TAUGHT ME MUCH MORE ABOUT THINGS THAT https://t.co/BiPtGSPTe6

— Jeff Reinebold (@Jeff_Reinebold) March 30, 2018

2/2 MATTER THAN I EVER TAUGHT HIM – DISAPPOINTED FOR YOUNG PLAYERS WHO ARE LOSING A SHINING EXAMPLE OF WHAT A PRO IS ON AND OFF THE FIELD & FOR THE FANS OF @CFL WHO LOSE A GUY WHO WAS ALWAYS AVAILABLE AND WHO GOT THERE MONEY’S WORTH EVERY TIME JOHN SNAPPED https://t.co/BiPtGSPTe6

— Jeff Reinebold (@Jeff_Reinebold) March 30, 2018

3/3 IT UP AND PLAYED – ECSTATIC FOR HIS CHILDREN AND WIFE WHO KNOW WILL GET MORE TIME WITH HIM – HOPEFUL FOR THE COACHING PROFESSION BECAUSE IF HE CHOSES HE WILL BE A GREAT COACH! ALOHA 97 WILL MISD YOU! https://t.co/BiPtGSPTe6

— Jeff Reinebold (@Jeff_Reinebold) March 30, 2018

https://twitter.com/WoodsyCJME/status/979802127487852544

Congrats to @johnchick97 on an outstanding #CFL career. The Canadian Football Hall of Fame awaits. #Riders #Ticats #Esks

— John Hodge (@JohnDHodge) March 30, 2018

https://twitter.com/Guyzer/status/979768764882235392

Wishing @johnchick97 all the best in retirement. It’s a cliche but it’s most appropriate: A great player and even better person and stand-up man. #classact

— Dan Ralph (@danralphcp) March 30, 2018

Oh wow! We LOVE this guy! @johnchick97 Best of luck in your future! You sure were a treat to watch on #CFLGAMEDAY, whatever uniform you were wearing! @sskroughriders @Ticats @EdmontonEsks Great Guy, too! We'll miss you! pic.twitter.com/cPxf74dXiL

— Grey Cup Fun Police 🇨🇦 (@GCFunPolice) March 30, 2018

Very few players leave a league or team in a better place than when they arrived. @johnchick97 is that player. Thanks for coming to Canada and all the best in your chosen vocation. @CFLonTSN #Eskimos #TiCats #Roughriders https://t.co/BFkgGI7kC5

— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) March 30, 2018

https://twitter.com/Riders13thMan/status/979783612898922497

@johnchick97 congratulations on a long and hall of fame career. It was a pleasure watching you play for all your teams John. You will be missed! Best wishes in your new path!

— Jeff🇨🇦 (@Habcat) March 30, 2018

Happy retirement to @johnchick97 one of my ALL TIME favorite @sskroughriders
Sad at the thought of you not being on the field but happy for your kids! THANK YOU from this #Rider fan for the great memories! pic.twitter.com/o6TilnXYlq

— Janny Annie 🏳️‍🌈🇨🇦🇺🇦 (@JaniceOwen) March 30, 2018

@johnchick97 congrats on a fabulous career and your new beginnings whatever you choose to do. Take care of that beautiful family of yours. Your CFL family will miss You!

— Donna 🇨🇦 (@DonnaHodel) March 30, 2018

@johnchick97

As an Esks fan I enjoyed cheering for you in the green and gold last season.

But I also enjoyed watching you through out your career.

Congratulations on a successful career and hope the best for you and your family in the future.

— Joe 🇺🇦 (@balaneski) March 30, 2018

@johnchick97 we just wanted to wish you and your family all of success and prosperity as you move on to the next chapter in your lives. Thanks for your contribution to this great game. @CFL @CFLPA

— 3rd and 1 Football (@3rdand1Canada) March 30, 2018