Ottawa Redblacks running back Brendan Gillanders announced his retirement on Friday after an eight-year career. The 32-year-old from Orleans, Ontario, had five carries for 20 yards, one catch for six yards, and four tackles in 14 games in 2022.
Collegiately, Gillanders played five seasons at the University of Ottawa (2009-13) with 365 carries for 2,284 yards, 17 touchdowns, 60 catches for 593 yards, seven touchdowns, and 4.5 tackles in 26 games for the Gee-Gees.
“When I started playing football here in Ottawa at the age of 10, I never dreamt I would one day play in two Grey Cups, and help bring one home to family, friends, and our amazing fanbase. My family and I are sincerely thankful to the Redblacks organization, and all of the wonderful people working at OSEG, and the OSEG Foundation,” said Gillanders.
“As hard as it is to walk away from playing professional football, it is much harder to leave the amazing people in our locker room and facility. Finally, as the newest member of RNation, I could not be any more excited to watch Coach Dyce lead the Redblacks into the 2023 season, as they work towards another Grey Cup.”
After his collegiate career ended, Gillanders signed with the Toronto Argonauts. He played two seasons with Toronto (2014-15) with one carry for 11 yards, seven catches for 104 yards, and 20 tackles in 30 games.
Then, he signed with the Ottawa Redblacks in 2016. He had six carries for 23 yards, three catches for 28 yards, and five tackles in ten games for the Redblacks on their way to winning the Grey Cup championship 39-33 over the Calgary Stampeders.
Gillanders played six seasons in Ottawa (2016-22) with 65 carries for 291 yards, 32 catches for 240 yards, 43 tackles, and one forced fumble in 84 games. In 114 career games, Gillanders has 66 carries for 302 yards, 39 catches for 344 yards, 64 tackles, and one forced fumble.
