The longest-tenured Argo player Declan Cross has announced his retirement from the Canadian Football League. Cross recently informed the Argos of his intentions to call it a career. He has been with the Toronto Argonauts football club since being drafted back in 2016 out of McMaster University.

Declan Cross goes out a champion after winning his second Grey Cup with the Double Blue. First in 2017, and the 109th Grey Cup in November. Cross, the Oakville native, played 6 seasons in the Six and was a beloved figure and one of Toronto’s most versatile role players on offence and special teams.

One of the more affable and likable people in the CFL. Declan Cross not only formed great relationships with coaches and fellow teammates throughout his career. He also formed great friendships with the media, fans, and the local community. Cross was an unheralded player who shared a bond with everyone around him. The connection CFL players like Declan Cross share with the fanbase on a personal level is not something you see in other sports leagues.

The 5’10, 225lb lead-blocking fullback seldom ran the ball in his career (7-28) but caught 83 passes for 740 yards and seven touchdowns in six seasons while also chipping in with 33 special teams tackles. The biggest highlight of Cross’ career came on the biggest stage during the 105th Grey Cup in 2017 when he caught a clutch two-point convert to tie the game at 24 with just over four minutes remaining; the second two-point convert he caught in the game, on route to his first championship.

The soon-to-be 30-year-old Cross is going out on top in Toronto and moving on to the next phase of his life with his family. Which includes moving to Australia to help lead block for his wife, Jenn, who has been accepted into a prestigious dental school there.

Cross might not be the last Argo to call it a career this offseason after hoisting the iconic Grey Cup trophy. However, As always, he is the first one leading the way for others to follow.

Below is today’s press release from the Toronto Argonauts football club on Declan Cross’s retirement. Along with comments from Argos GM Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons.

ARGO FB DECLAN CROSS ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

TORONTO – The Toronto Argonauts Football Club announced today that fullback Declan Cross will hang up his cleats.

Cross is currently the longest-serving Toronto Argonaut after being drafted in the fourth round, 27th overall, in the 2016 CFL Draft out of McMaster University. The Oakville native suited up for 92 regular-season games, three East Finals, and two Grey Cups while donning Double Blue, capping off an incredible career by hoisting the Grey Cup for the second time. The 29-year-old played 12 games in 2022 after an injury sidelined him for four games in the middle of the season. The 5’10, 225lb fullback caught 83 passes for 740 yards and seven touchdowns while also chipping in with 33 special teams tackles. Quite possibly the biggest play of Cross’ career came on the biggest stage during the 105th Grey Cup in 2017 when he caught a clutch two-point convert to tie the game at 24 with just over four minutes remaining, the second two-point convert he caught in the game, on route to his first championship. As impactful as Cross is on the field, he is every bit the presence in the community as well, giving back every chance he gets and is Toronto’s nominee for the Jake Gaudaur Veteran’s Trophy in 2018, given to a player who best demonstrates the attributes of Canada’s veterans.

“Declan arrived as a relatively unknown draft pick and leaves as a two-time champion and fan favourite,” commented Argos General Manager Michael Clemons. “He definitively exemplifies what it means to be an Argonaut, a fearless competitor on the field, and a selfless contributor in the community. Whatever opportunities await him in the future, you can be certain he will attack them with the unequaled level of passion he brought to our family each and every day. While he’s announcing his retirement, he’ll always be an Argonaut.”