CFL star Greg Ellingson has officially retired and is hanging up his cleats as a member of the Ottawa Redblacks. The 36 year old receiver leaves behind a career defined by grit, determination, and some amazing moments on the field.
A Journey That Began in St. Petersburg
Ellingson’s CFL journey started almost by accident in St. Petersburg, Florida. “From the moment Danny McManus started to warm up to throw me routes for a tryout. I had no idea how my CFL journey would play out,” Ellingson said in his statement.
It wasn’t always clear cut, but after joining the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2013, it became apparent he was going to be a star. When the opportunity came to join the Ottawa Redblacks, he didn’t hesitate. “Coming to Ottawa with Smilin’ Hank [Henry Burris] was a no brainer” he said.
Four Amazing Years in Ottawa
Ellingson spent four amazing years in Ottawa from 2015 to 2018 and became one of the league’s top receivers. In those 70 games he had 332 receptions for 4,866 yards and 30 touchdowns. Every year he went over 1,000 yards including a 2017 season where he had career highs of 96 catches, 1,459 yards and 12 touchdowns.
The bonds he made with teammates like Brad Sinopoli, Ernest Jackson, Jonathan Rose, Sherrod Baltimore and Jon Gott were unforgettable. “The bonds in the locker room… were part of four amazing years in the nation’s capital,” Ellingson said.
The Miracle on Bank Street
One of Ellingson’s most memorable moments was in the 2015 East Final at TD Place. With the Redblacks down late in the game, Ellingson caught a 93-yard catch-and-run touchdown on 2nd and 25 to win the game and send Ottawa to the Grey Cup. It’s known as the ‘Miracle on Bank Street’ and is etched in CFL history.
Ellingson was part of the team that brought the Grey Cup back to Ottawa for the first time in 40 years in 2016. “Bringing the Grey Cup back to Ottawa… is a life achievement that can’t even be put into words,” he said.
A Career Spanning the CFL
Ellingson’s heart was always in Ottawa but his career took him across the league. After the Redblacks he went to the Edmonton Elks where he kept on truckin’ and broke 1,000 yards again in 2019. Then he suited up for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2022 and the Montreal Alouettes in 2023 and won one more Grey Cup before hanging up his cleats.
Over 126 CFL games, Ellingson had 588 receptions for 8,560 yards and 45 touchdowns. He was a 3 time East all-star, 1 time West all-star and a CFL all-star in 2017.
Honors and Legacy
In 2024, Ellingson was named to the Redblacks all-decade team. “Greg has a special place in the history of our franchise” said Redblacks president Adrian Sciarra. “We are very proud to be a part of his career.”
Head coach Bob Dyce agreed. “His contributions will never be forgotten.”
Farewell to Fans and Teammates
In his goodbye message Ellingson thanked the fans and teammates who supported him throughout his career. “To the fans and all the teammates I played for and with, the love in my heart and the memories in my head will be with me forever.”
He may be retired as a player, but Ellingson is still mentoring young athletes and sharing the fun he had in the CFL. “I’m honoured to retire as a REDBLACK… though I still put them on every week to coach and train the next generation of athletes.”
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