According to TSN, Cahoon is expected to make a big announcement soon. It seems to be leaning towards retirement from the CFL to pursue other interests, perhaps a coaching position.
If so, this would bring to an end a brilliant 13-year career for the most profilic pass receiver in CFL history in terms of total yards. Ben Cahoon is and was the definiton of a class act, on and off the field. He was able to pull down passes on a regular basis and help his team to victory. What I especially liked about him, was the lack of trash talk and no ostentation - just go out there and get the job done.
So, Ben, if indeed you are leaving, you leave a wonderful legacy behind you, and one that other receivers (on our side!) will emulate. I'd still like to see you for one more season, but all good things must come to an end. So, Mr. Ca-hoooooooon, best of luck in your future endeavours.
An inevitable but bittersweet day for all of us. On the one hand, you can't blame Ben for wanting to do other things and not subject his body to the extreme punishment he's taken over the past 13 years. He wasn't just some lolly-gagging wide receiver who racked up his yards on deep posts and streak patterns: he played the game close to the LOS, absorbing hit after hit after hit in order to make those unflashy but crucial second-down conversions. That is a heckuva lot of punishment for a comparatively small player who no doubt is thinking of his quality of life in a few decades. On the other hand, part of me just selfishly wants him to keep playing, even though I know retirement is probably the best thing for him. It is going to be very strange watching Alouettes games without no. 86 moving the chains as a chorus of "Cahoooooons" breaks out at Molson Stadium.
Well, maybe we can look forward to a new chorus of Ja-melllllll! Or Gr-eeeeeeeen!
Somehow, that just won't replace Ca-hooooooon, but SJ has stated that he was inspired by Ben and has turned in some rather spectacular catches of his own. Let's hope that Ben's legacy of greatness and professionalism is contagious, and all the other players pick up on it!
I sure hope so. SJ has a bright future ahead of him in this league. He is already an impressive talent with size, speed, and the ability to make circus catches. If he can tighten up his route-running, he’ll be a monster.
What a graceful person and great athlete he's been for this team and city. Glad to see him go out on top and healthy. Look forward to seeing the next generation play ball Thanks to Ben and Mrs. Cahoon for hauling their large family around all these years. :thup:
Ben, you might be the greatest Alouette of all time.
Thanks for all the times you brought me out of my seat.
Today is a little sad, but hopefully we will still see you around at Grey Cup from time to time, or get to see you as a coach somewhere in Canada or the U.S college system. #86
En toutes choses, Ben Cahoon aura été un grand joueur.
Grand dans ce qu'il a fait et surtout, grand dans la façon dont il l'a fait. Non seulement nombre de ses attrapés n'auraient jamais été captés par quiconque autre que lui, mais il a toujours persévéré, donné son maximum pour l'équipe, a toujours donné à ses coéquipiers le crédit qui leur revenait dans ses succès, a toujours eu une attitude de travail exemplaire et en toute chose persévéré avec détermination et acharnement.
Ben Cahoon a été un joueur extraordinaire, un coéquipier extraordinaire, un champion extraordinaire, un adversaire extraordinaire, il est un homme extraordinaire.
Même si son record du nombre de passes captées ne tiendra pas très longtemps, la façon dont il y est parvenu demeurera à jamais unique.
Ben was an amazing athlete for his size (or any size), but more importantly a model for how the modern day athlete should conduct himself. Hopefully he is not a dying breed.
Maybe its the NHL all-star break, but I was really impressed by La Presses front sports page coverage of Ben`s retirement.
And a very nice tribute by Rejean Tremblay, who believe it or not is an Als season ticket holder.
Thanks to Ben and Mrs. Cahoon for hauling their large family around all these years. :thup: