Former Presidents’ Trophy winner Adam Auclair retires from CFL

Photo courtesy: Steven Chang/B.C. Lions

Veteran Canadian linebacker Adam Auclair has retired from the CFL.

The 29-year-old made the announcement via his Instagram account on Thursday. He had been a free agent since the expiration of his contract with the B.C. Lions on February 10.

Auclair was limited to 10 games in 2025 due to injury, making one defensive tackle and seven special teams tackles.

The six-foot-one, 213-pound defender played 15 games for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2024 and made eight starts at weak-side linebacker, recording 37 defensive tackles, 15 special teams tackles, three interceptions, and one sack.

The native of Saint-Georges, Que., was originally a first-round pick in the 2020 CFL Draft out of Université Laval by the Ottawa Redblacks. He spent three seasons with the team, making 119 defensive tackles, 30 special teams tackles, two sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble over 42 regular-season games.

Auclair won two Vanier Cups with the Rouge et Or. His best individual season came in 2017 when he was named a first-team All-Canadian and won the Presidents’ Trophy as the top standup defensive player in U Sports football. He is the younger brother of Super Bowl-winning tight end Antony Auclair.

 

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