WINNIPEG – Centre Obby Khan of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers has retired after eight CFL seasons.
Khan, who spent the last six seasons with Winnipeg, made the announcement Wednesday but a source told The Canadian Press that he did so after being asked to retire by the football club. The 31-year-old Khan had lost his starting job late last season but was back at centre for the CFL playoffs.
“It’s with mixed emotions that I make this announcement today as football has always been a big part of my life,” Khan said in a statement. “At the same time, when one door closes, another one opens and I am looking forward to the next phase of my life.
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“I want to thank all the fans in Winnipeg for their support over my career.”
The six-foot-three, 300-pound Khan was selected second overall by the Ottawa Renegades in the 2004 CFL draft and spent his first two seasons in his home town. He was acquired by Winnipeg in the Renegades dispersal draft in 2006 and quickly became the Bombers’ starter.
Khan returned to the starting lineup in 2009 after missing much of 2007 and 2008 seasons due to illness.
Khan appeared in 118 career regular-season games as well as two playoff contests and Winnipeg’s Grey Cup loss to the B.C. Lions last year.
Khan also was a three-time winner of the Cal Murphy ‘Heart of a Legend’ award, which goes to the Bombers’ player who best exemplifies sportsmanship, dedication and community service. In 2008, he also received the Ed Kotowich award as the Winnipeg player who excelled in combining football ability, team camaraderie and extraordinary effort in the community.
“Obby has always been a very hard worker and an excellent ambassador to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers throughout the province of Manitoba,” said Bombers GM Joe Mack. “We’d like to thank him for everything he has done for this organization and wish him well as he turns the page on a new chapter in his life.”
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