Hamilton Tiger-Cats offensive lineman Chris Van Zeyl announced his retirement on Saturday after a 17-year CFL career.
Chris Van Zeyl is six foot six and weighs 312 pounds. The 40-year-old from Fonthill, Ontario, did not play for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2023.
“Chris’s career in the CFL has been nothing short of extraordinary. He has achieved incredible feats both on and off of the field, making him the epitome of professionalism.” Said Orlondo Steinauer, President of Football Operations of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. “It was awesome to coach Chris over the years, but also rewarding to see him develop into an outstanding leader and person. In addition to expressing sincere appreciation to Chris for the contributions he has made to our organization and the city of Hamilton, we extend our best to him and his family in the future.”
Before Hamilton, the Montreal Alouettes drafted Van Zeyl in the third round (18th pick) in the 2007 CFL Draft. Van Zeyl was on the Alouettes practice squad before being released. Shortly after his release, he signed with the Toronto Argonauts.
He played 156 games in ten seasons in Toronto, including winning two Grey Cup championships in 2012 and 2017. He is a seven-time CFL East All-Star and a three-time CFL All-Star. During his time in Toronto, Van Zeyl was named CFL’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman Award and the Leo Dandurand Trophy in 2019.
Then, the Ticats signed Van Zeyl as a free agent on May 18, 2019. Van Zeyl played 30 games in three seasons, including playing in two Grey Cup championship games in 2019 and 2021.
Collegiately, Van Zeyl played four seasons at McMaster (2004-07) as a defensive tackle with 42 tackles, 11 sacks, and one forced fumble for the Marauders.
