The Tiger-Cats announced today that veteran Canadian linebacker Ray Mariuz has re-joined the Ticats lineup and will practice with the team this morning.
In eight previous CFL seasons, Mariuz recorded 157 defensive tackles, 157 special teams tackles, six quarterback sacks and 11 tackles for a loss. He was nominated as the Ticats Most Outstanding Canadian in 2008. His 76 special teams tackles as a Ticat are the sixth-highest total in team history.
The Ticats also announced that import defensive linemen Jerry Brown and Justin Mincey, along with import defensive backs Ryan Jones and Woodny Turenne, have joined the team’s practice roster.
“Going through the off season, I thought that I’d be able to play at least another year. At this point, I was kind of taking it a year at a time,? added the linebacker.
As for the timing, Mariuz said it was a decision he didn’t want to drag on, and it came down to two factors: his health and a growing post-football career.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to only miss one game due to injury over my eight years but, at the same time, I’ve had back problems and a couple of concussions. On the flip side, my real estate career has been going well. It became a point where I had to do what was in the best interest of not just me, but my family,? Mariuz said.
