Angus Reid is returning to the Lions den.
The defending Grey Cup champion B.C. Lions announced Wednesday the Richmond native will be back for the 2012 campaign. The 35-year-old had been contemplating retirement after a career season that saw him earn All-CFL honours for the very first time.
"This was not a difficult decision in the end," said Reid. "I would not prepare for another season of football unless I felt that I can continue to contribute at the highest possible level. With Travis (Lulay) at quarterback and the core players we have on both offense and defense I believe we have all the pieces needed to defend our title. It's January, the season is about five months away, but I'm excited as ever to get back on the field."
Reid began the 2010 season as the team's sixth offensive lineman, but was soon pressed back into a starting role as the club faced a series of injuries up front. Beginning his 11th CFL campaign in 2011, he anchored an offensive line that was considered the league's best.
"Not many players can have one of their best seasons 11 years into their career as Angus did last year, but his leadership and quality of play was one of the primary reasons we were able to turn our season around and win the Grey Cup," said head coach Mike Benevides. "He provides our offence and our team with a unique combination of stability and confidence."
Born and raised in the Lower Mainland, the Vancouver College graduate joined the Lions after being acquired from the Montreal Alouettes in 2001.
He originally entered the CFL after being drafted by the Toronto Argonauts. From 2002 to 2009, he enjoyed an eightseason, 142-game run as the Lions' starting centre before being sidelined by a broken foot.
"Angus' contributions to our club both on and off the field have been significant throughout his career and this is very good news for our fans and our offense," said Lions GM and VP, football operations Wally Buono.
