Lions LB Jason Arakgi retires after 9 seasons

The BC Lions closed out their preseason Friday night by recording a win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and with it, veteran linebacker Jason Arakgi closed out his professional career.

Over the course of nine seasons, Arakgi was able to accomplish quite an interesting feat, retiring as the CFL's all-time leader in special teams tackles with 194. Arakgi announced his retirement following Friday night's victory.

"It was that time, I got an opportunity, and it was just that time in my career. I was ready to move on," Arakgi told reporters following the game. "I can't thank this organization enough for everything they've given me."

Arakgi, who broke into the CFL after being drafted in the third round of the 2008 CFL Draft by the Lions, captured the 2011 Grey Cup with BC, and was also named a CFL West All-Star in 2009.