Former Riders, Bombers receiver Weston Dressler: ‘I’m definitely retired’

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

Veteran receiver Weston Dressler is done with pro football.

“I haven’t officially filed retirement papers yet, but I’m definitely retired,” Dressler told The Bismarck Tribune.

“It’s hard to step away from something you’ve been doing your whole life. A part of me wishes I could play the game forever, but that’s not possible.”

Dressler signed with the Bombers in January 2016 and played three seasons in Winnipeg making 176 receptions for 2,229 yards and 10 touchdowns. Nagging injuries caused Dressler to miss 16 of a possible 54 games in his last three seasons while in the Peg.

The 34-year-old spent the first eight seasons of his career in Saskatchewan until Chris Jones released the fan favourite from the Roughriders less than one year after Dressler inked a four-year contract extension. Five of the eight campaigns Dressler recorded 1,000 or more yards in green and white while being a key member of the 2013 Grey Cup championship team.

The Bismarck, North Dakota native broke into the CFL with Saskatchewan catching 56 passes for 1,123 yards and six touchdowns on the way to earning the Most Outstanding Rookie award. Overall, Dressler recorded 715 receptions for 10,026 yards and 61 touchdowns in 161 regular season games and twice been named a CFL all-star (2012 and 2013). He added 62 grabs for 970 yards and eight touchdowns in 13 playoff contests.

Dressler days in pro football have come to an end.