A Player's Farewell
Veteran football player Drew Wolitarsky, after a tenure spanning multiple seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, has officially announced his retirement. The player signed a one-day contract with the team, allowing him to conclude his professional football journey as a member of the Blue Bombers. This move marks the end of an era for a player who became a recognizable figure both within the locker room and the broader community.
Background of Service
Drew Wolitarsky spent the majority of his Canadian Football League (CFL) career, seven out of eight seasons, with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, from 2017 to 2024. During this time, he established himself as a dependable receiver, catching passes from several Blue Bombers quarterbacks, including Matt Nichols, Chris Streveler, and Zach Collaros. He was an integral part of the team's success, contributing to two Grey Cup championship victories in 2019 and 2021.
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In his career with Winnipeg, Wolitarsky played in 96 regular season games, amassing 227 receptions, 2,954 receiving yards, and 18 touchdowns. He also had a brief stint with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats last season, appearing in two games. Wolitarsky is 30 years old.
The player's departure from the Blue Bombers was preceded by a period of roster changes. On January 27, 2025, the team announced the release of Drew Wolitarsky. This decision came shortly after the team parted ways with veteran linebacker Adam Bighill.
Release and Subsequent Retirement
The news of Wolitarsky's release on January 27, 2025, was met with somber reactions from teammates, such as Schoen, who was affected by the departure of his teammate. General Manager Kyle Walters acknowledged the difficulty of such decisions, especially with long-serving players.
Following his release, Wolitarsky took to social media to acknowledge the news. The subsequent signing of a one-day contract for his retirement ceremony signifies a return to the team where he built much of his career legacy.
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Statistical Performance with Winnipeg Blue Bombers
| Metric | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Regular Season Games Played | 96 |
| Receptions | 227 |
| Receiving Yards | 2,954 |
| Touchdowns | 18 |
Team Achievements
Grey Cup Championships: 2019, 2021
Community and Locker Room Presence
Beyond his on-field statistics, Drew Wolitarsky was noted for his positive presence. Reports indicate he was a popular figure within the team's locker room and held in good standing within the community. His evolution into a reliable target underscores his dedication and skill as a professional athlete.
Concluding Remarks
The retirement of Drew Wolitarsky brings to a close a significant chapter in his CFL career. His decision to retire as a Blue Bomber, facilitated by a one-day contract, underscores the bond he maintained with the organization. His contributions to the team's championships and his statistical achievements mark him as a notable player in the Blue Bombers' history.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers Official Website: Published the primary announcement of Drew Wolitarsky's retirement, detailing the one-day contract and his career statistics.https://www.bluebombers.com/2026/02/19/drew-wolitarsky-retires-as-a-blue-bomber/
Winnipeg Free Press: Reported on Wolitarsky's retirement, confirming the one-day contract and reiterating key career details.https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/this-just-in/wolitarsky-retiring-in-blue-and-gold
3DownNation: Provided an overview of Wolitarsky's retirement, emphasizing his time with the Blue Bombers and his career statistics.https://3downnation.com/2026/02/19/drew-wolitarsky-retires-with-winnipeg-blue-bombers/
ChrisD.ca: Covered the initial release of Drew Wolitarsky by the Blue Bombers, citing the end of his seven-season tenure and including a quote from GM Kyle Walters.https://www.chrisd.ca/2025/01/27/drew-wolitarsky-winnipeg-blue-bombers-released/
Winnipeg Sun: Reported on the impact of Wolitarsky's release on his teammates and highlighted the player's history with the team.https://winnipegsun.com/sports/release-of-teammate-wolitarsky-hit-hard-for-bombers-schoen
CBC News: Detailed the release of Drew Wolitarsky, noting the timing in relation to Adam Bighill's departure from the team.https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/drew-wolitarsky-released-winnipeg-blue-bombers-cfl-1.7442426
Winnipeg Free Press (Breaking News): Announced the release of Wolitarsky by the Blue Bombers, mentioning the player's reaction and subscription details for continued reading.https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2025/01/27/blue-bombers-release-wolitarsky
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