Calgary Stampeders receiver Arjei Franklin is waiting word on whether he can return to lineup Saturday against the visiting Saskatchewan Roughriders. QMI AGENCY FILE PHOTO
CALGARY - Arjei Franklin doesn’t have a summer plan yet, but that was actually the plan all along.
After seven CFL seasons, the last three-and-a-half with the Calgary Stampeders, the Canadian receiver has retired from football.
The main reason for packing up the pads is that the 30-year-old couldn’t bear to be away from his family any longer.
Franklin’s wife and nearly 2-year-old son Miles live in Windsor, Ont., and it was always tough to part with them every May.
He walks away having played 94 regular-season games, making 165 receptions for 1,952 yards and three touchdowns, but he leaves the CFL with one major regret.
“I wish I had won a ring,” Franklin said. “That would have been nice. My son won’t remember me playing.
“I think he would rather remember me as a dad that was around than one who had a giant ring on his finger. I had to make that choice. I’m glad I made the choice to be home.
