B.C. Lions' Patrick Kabongo announces his retirement

VANCOUVER - B.C. Lions offensive lineman Patrick Kabongo announced his retirement Thursday, ending his nine-year career in the Canadian Football League.

Kabongo appeared in 33 regular-season games for the Lions after joining the team in 2012 after seven seasons in Edmonton.

"Patrick was a big personality on and off the field and we are grateful to have had him be part of our organization for two years," Lions general manager Wally Buono said Thursday in a release. "We wish him and his family the very best in the future."

Kabongo, a West Division all-star in 2008, played 121 games for the Eskimos.

The Lions also released defensive lineman Adrian Awasom on Thursday.