After a nine-year career in the trenches of the Canadian Football League, highlighted by a Grey Cup title in 2015, 34-year-old Simeon Rottier is hanging up his helmet … for the time being.
The first overall pick of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the 2009 CFL draft will continue training in case the Edmonton Eskimos need an offensive lineman, however he said his knee injury has not healed fast enough for him to be ready for the start of training camp May 20.
“This would have been year 10, so it was a tough decision. The knee was physically not where I needed it to be, so I’m taking a step back at this point,” said Rottier following his retirement announcement May 16.
“I’m still going to keep training and working towards getting back if they need me, but at this point it’s more about taking a little extra time for training.”
The 6’6”, 290-pounder logged 124 CFL games — 70 with the Eskimos — playing guard and centre.
In 2014, he was named a West Division and CFL All-Star, as well as the Eskimos Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman.
“Nothing’s guaranteed, but if they came calling at some point I would consider it,” he said about keeping his options open for the rest of 2018. “I want to keep in shape and keep the door open.”
And while he admits he’s a bit disappointed not being able to play a 10th season, he’s grateful for his career.
While most football players are exposed to the game in high school, Rottier started his career with the Canadian Junior Football League’s Edmonton Huskies, focusing on basketball and volleyball while a student at R.F. Staples School.
He initially started as a tight end before making his way to guard with the Huskies, where he was part of two national championships and was selected a CJFL All Canadian in 2005 and PFC Offensive Lineman of the Year.
Rottier then went on to play for the University of Alberta Golden Bears from 2006-2008 and became the school’s first-ever No. 1 CFL Draft pick.
In his rookie university season he was a Can-West All-Star and followed that up with national recognition as a second team All-Canadian in addition to conference honours. In 2008, he was a first team All-Canadian and played in the 2008 NCAA East-West Shrine Bowl
Just playing in the CFL would have been a blessing in itself, but Rottier said the highlight of his career was winning the Grey Cup.
“That’s something you hope for and dream about as soon as you get in the league, so winning it was a pretty special moment,” he said.
“Especially being a part of a team I watched growing up. There’s countless memories with teammates, family, friends and fans. I’ve had a lot of people reach out to me, so I’m very thankful.”
Rottier noted that coming to Edmonton was a bit rocky at the start, but it made their 2015 title that much sweeter.
“The first couple years in Edmonton were a bit rough. We barely made the playoffs, I had a major injury and the next year we only won four games. But we came through that and the years after were a lot of fun.”
While his professional career may be over, Rottier isn’t done with the sport as he’s turning his eyes towards coaching, noting there’s a lot he’s learned that he wants to pass on. Rottier has always been a big supporter of the Westlock Thunderbirds football team and was on the field with them to offer help the week of May 7-11.
But one area he advises young players to focus on in particular is nutrition.
“I never had thought about nutrition before playing, I just sort of ate whatever my mom gave me,” he said with a laugh.
“Knowing how much protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats you need to be able to train consistently and get the most out of it, that was a game changer for me. Once I started playing, I started working out Monday to Friday. You’ve got to be able to do that right so you don’t get injured.”
Knowing this day was coming eventually, Rottier has been carefully preparing his farm as a backup plan, but he’s not ready to commit to that full-time just yet.
In his spare time he also plays guitar in the rock band 15 pounds of Beets and played a gig in Edmonton over the long weekend.
But in the meantime, Rottier said he’s going to keep nursing his knee back to 100 per cent and cheering for the Esks, whether he’s on the field, or not.
“The Grey Cup is in Edmonton and I think we have a chance to win it,” he said. “There’s a good core group that’s built to be successful for a long time.”
