Dominique Rhymes Retires from CFL After 8 Seasons Playing Football

Dominique Rhymes has retired from the CFL after 8 seasons. He played 110 games and had 32 touchdowns, finishing his career with the Calgary Stampeders.
By Newsroom | Sports, Football |

Dominique Rhymes, a widely recognized wide receiver, has announced his retirement from professional football after an eight-season tenure in the Canadian Football League (CFL). The announcement, made via social media on Friday, brings a notable career to a close, during which Rhymes established himself as a consistent and impactful player. His final season was spent with the Calgary Stampeders, where he maintained his productivity, capping his league participation with significant contributions.

Career Overview

Dominique Rhymes' journey in the CFL spanned eight seasons, during which he played for three teams: the Ottawa Redblacks, the B.C. Lions, and the Calgary Stampeders. Across 110 regular-season games, he amassed a total of 372 receptions, accumulating 5,822 receiving yards and scoring 32 touchdowns. Rhymes was known for his physical presence at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, combined with a substantial catch radius and the ability to make plays downfield. His playing style led him to be described as a dependable possession receiver who could also threaten defenses vertically.

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  • Total Games Played: 110 regular-season games

  • Total Receptions: 372

  • Total Receiving Yards: 5,822

  • Total Receiving Touchdowns: 32

  • Teams: Ottawa Redblacks, B.C. Lions, Calgary Stampeders

Path to Professional Football

Rhymes' football career began in high school at Miami Northwestern Senior High School, where he was a teammate of NFL player Teddy Bridgewater. He played college football at Florida International University (FIU) from 2011 to 2014, utilizing a medical redshirt season in 2014. Following his time at FIU, he transferred to Murray State University, playing for the Racers in 2015. Following his senior year in college, where he recorded 37 catches for 686 yards and 8 touchdowns, Rhymes entered the professional arena.

CFL Stints and Transitions

Rhymes initially signed with the Ottawa Redblacks on May 29, 2017. After limited action in his first two seasons, he experienced a breakout year in his third season, leading the Redblacks in receptions (65), receiving yards (1,056), and receiving touchdowns (5).

Dominique Rhymes retires from CFL - 1

Following the 2019 season, Rhymes became a free agent. On February 21, 2020, he signed with the B.C. Lions. His 2020 season was nullified due to the cancellation of the CFL season. He signed a one-year contract extension with the Lions on December 14, 2020. In his first played season with the Lions in 2021, he recorded 28 catches for 411 yards and one touchdown over eight games. His performance in 2022 earned him CFL All-Star honors, where he ranked third in receptions (85), second in receiving yards (1,401), and second in touchdowns (11). On February 12, 2023, Rhymes reportedly sought a trade for a more substantial contract, but instead agreed to a two-year extension with the Lions through the 2024 season. He played ten regular-season games in 2023, missing time due to injury, and recorded 35 receptions for 535 yards and six touchdowns. The B.C. Lions released Rhymes on January 17, 2024, a move reportedly related to salary cap considerations.

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On January 22, 2024, Rhymes returned to the Ottawa Redblacks on a two-year contract. He played in all 18 regular-season games, achieving 72 receptions for 1,011 yards and two touchdowns. He was released by the Redblacks on February 1, 2025, with one year remaining on his contract.

His final team was the Calgary Stampeders, with whom he signed on February 4, 2025. In his last season, Rhymes played in Calgary, recording 50 receptions for 886 yards and six touchdowns, working alongside quarterback Vernon Adams Jr.

Player Attributes

Rhymes was consistently noted for his size, his ability to catch passes in traffic, and his effectiveness in contested situations. His on-field presence allowed him to move the chains and make significant plays when required. He maintained these attributes throughout his career, evident in his final season statistics.

Retirement Announcement

Rhymes conveyed his decision to retire through social media, stating, "After nearly a decade in the CFL, I’m officially hanging up the cleats.” He expressed gratitude to the league and its fans, acknowledging the impact of the game on his life.

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"Thank you, CFL, for everything.” … “To the fans: thank you for the energy and the passion. Whether I was wearing orange, red, or black, it was an honor to play in front of all of you. From my first snap in the junior league to all the touchdowns I scored, this game has given me more than I could put into words,” Rhymes stated in a release.

Summary of Career Achievements

  • Three 1,000-yard campaigns: Rhymes achieved this benchmark multiple times in his career.

  • CFL All-Star: Recognized for his performance in the 2022 season.

  • Key Contributor: Consistently delivered in crucial moments of games.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Dominique Rhymes retire from the Canadian Football League?
Dominique Rhymes announced his retirement from the CFL on Friday via social media after playing for eight seasons. He stated that after nearly a decade in the league, he was officially hanging up his cleats.
Q: How many seasons did Dominique Rhymes play in the CFL?
Dominique Rhymes played for eight seasons in the Canadian Football League. He played for three different teams during his career: the Ottawa Redblacks, the B.C. Lions, and the Calgary Stampeders.
Q: What were Dominique Rhymes' career statistics in the CFL?
In 110 regular-season games, Dominique Rhymes had 372 receptions for 5,822 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns. He also achieved three seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards.
Q: Which teams did Dominique Rhymes play for in the CFL?
Dominique Rhymes played for the Ottawa Redblacks, the B.C. Lions, and the Calgary Stampeders during his eight-season career in the Canadian Football League.
Q: What was Dominique Rhymes' last team in the CFL?
Dominique Rhymes' final team in the CFL was the Calgary Stampeders. He signed with them on February 4, 2025, and played his last season with the team.