Blue Bombers' Ryan Smith announces retirement

Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiver Ryan Smith announced his retirement on Friday.

“Although this was an extremely difficult decision, it is one that I am ultimately comfortable with,” Smith said in a statement.

“I have the opportunity to pursue interests outside of football, and I just feel this is the time for me to step away. I would truly like to thank the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, my teammates, the CFL, and the fans of the Blue Bombers. Most importantly, Mr. Wade Miller, Kyle Walters, and Coach O’Shea for their understanding and support throughout this process, and ultimately my decision. I will miss the game and the great people in it, but this was the right decision for me at this time.”

In his three-year career, Smith caught 125 passes for 1,638 yards and eight touchdowns. Spending his first two seasons with Saskatchewan, Smith led the Roughriders in receiving in 2015 with 991 yards and seven touchdowns.

As a Blue Bomber in 2016, Smith finished with 488 yards, 53 receptions, and one touchdown.