The writing for Kerry Joseph’s pro football career was on the wall back in October and November. On Wednesday, the 16-year veteran made it official, posting on Twitter that he will retire from the game to pursue a career as a coach.
Sportsnet’s Arash Madani first wrote about Joseph’s intentions on Tuesday, hinting that Joseph would ask Eskimos’ general manager Ed Hervey for his release and that it would be a fitting departure for Joseph to leave his playing career with the team that he led to a Grey Cup in 2007, while also winning a CFL Most Outstanding Player award. On Wednesday, Joseph took to Twitter to confirm that info.
True to his word, Joseph didn’t respond to a text message sent to him on Wednesday, requesting an interview (update, 9:30 p.m.: Joseph said by text that he’d discuss his retirement upon his release from the Eskimos). He and Hervey have been in contact throughout this week, with an outcome expected in the next couple of days.
While Joseph’s three seasons in Edmonton were often spliced with the ire of Eskimos fans — especially in 2013, when late-game mistakes proved costly — his role in the locker room was never questioned by his coaches or teammates. He roomed with Mike Reilly on the road in 2013 and mentored the team’s young quarterbacks throughout his time here. Matt Nichols’ reaction to Joseph’s retirement was almost immediate on Wednesday.
Going to miss @kerryjoseph4 He has been a great mentor on and off the field. Puts in more work than anyone. Thanks for everything KJ. (Cont)—
Matt Nichols (@MattNichols16) January 29, 2014
(Cont) I hope our paths cross again. I'm going to miss my golf partner too!!! #KJ4—
Matt Nichols (@MattNichols16) January 29, 2014
Eskimos’ long snapper Ryan King, who sat just a few stalls down from Joseph and the other quarterbacks, also weighed in online.
Shout out to @kerryjoseph4 for everything he has helped me with in my career/life.. Best of luck with everything your future holds man—
Ryan King (@ryanking46) January 29, 2014
Shamawd Chambers also had parting words for Joseph, who was with the team through the receiver’s first two years in the CFL.
Thank you @kerryjoseph4 for the 2 years of wisdom. Amazing career and amazing man of god.—
Shamawd Chambers (@ShamawdChambers) January 29, 2014
Joseph came into the CFL after a four-year stay with the Seattle Seahawks, where he played safety. He quarterbacked in Ottawa from 2002 to 2005 and played with the Riders in 2006 and 2007. After winning the Grey Cup with Saskatchewan, he was traded to Toronto in 2008, where he stayed for two seasons. After a year out of football, he joined the Eskimos before their final game of the 2010 season. He backed up Ricky Ray in 2011 and split starting duties with Steven Jyles in 2012 after Ray was traded. He was deemed a third-stringer in 2013 but played many of the backup roles, coming in on short yardage plays and relieving Reilly when he was concussed in the first quarter of the team’s Week 14 loss to the Argos. Joseph’s final on-field action came in Week 19, when he made two of three passes against the Riders in Regina for 29 yards and rushed once for six yards.
Joseph leaves the game with 27,941 passing yards (144 touchdowns) and 4,548 rushing yards (56 touchdowns). His career quarterback rating is 83.5.
