And perhaps the lingering question now is, what does the future hold for the definite future CFL Hall Of Famer?
We now can confirm that his last game with the Calgary Stampeders was a special one indeed. He completed eight out of eleven passes in that West Division semi-final against the BC Lions, and although the team lost, he let one and all know that he’s still got it despite his relegation earlier in the season.
The 32 year old has been with the Stampeders for the last 10 years and although he was relegated to being a backup at the mid-season point this year, he still showed quite a wee bit of technique out there, leading many to question if his playing days are indeed still ahead of him—at least a few more years that is.
It was the 25 year old Jake Maier that took over QB duties for Calgary by that mid-season point and no, there aren’t any sour grapes over that, as Mitchell has high hopes for the young QB and is clearly proud of him.
“If you’re questioning anything, I can tell you don’t, because that guy is going to be very special…Jake’s got a good head on his shoulders and a damn good arm as well…The writing is usually on the wall when you’re paying another guy, and I want to be a starter…”
via TSN
So no, it doesn’t sound at all like he plans on slowing down, but he wants to continue being a starting QB and not at all a back-up, and all despite the no-hard-feelings sentiments he is showing.
And the possibilities should indeed be endless for a 2-time Grey Cup champion and CFL record-breaker…all accomplished while with the Stamps. 32,541 passing yards was what he accomplished with the team, and that is a league record, as TSN reports. And yes, the rest of his accolades are also seemingly endless…
As for his official statement made on his Instagram page, letting one and all know that he would be leaving the team, here’s what he had to say:
“Hey Calgary, what a ride! 10 years! I Will always look back on these days, good or bad, and smile. The tough times made the great ones so sweet! Thank you to all the fans and season ticket holders through the years that supported us…
To all my teammates that wore the Red and White, THANK YOU! It will never be lost on me how lucky was to share the field with you! I AM NOT ME WITHOUT YOU!
The Grey Cup Wins, Losses.. and everything in between.. We did it together and I wouldn’t trade it for anything…One last time .. GO STAMPS GO…”
via Instagram /Bo Levi Mitchell
And what about coaching? Does he see that possibility in his future?
“I’ve told Dave (head coach for the Stamps, Dave Dickenson), for the last couple of years no matter when that point does come, he’d be the first phone call…I’d love to coach for him, with him because he’s a guy that I’m still learning from and always will…Even though I’ve been here for 10 years, I still haven’t soaked up all that information. His brain is much bigger than his head is.”
via TSN (link above)
So there you have it folks. The end of an era for sure, and what a ten-year era it turned out to be. But also on the horizon is a new era…the Maier era. Will it be as fruitful? Only time will tell, but as the above comments prove, Mitchell remains hopeful, and I guess so can we.
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