On Sunday, Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive lineman Ted Laurent announced his retirement after a 12-year career in the CFL.
“I’m excited today to officially announce my retirement from football. I left it all out there every time I took the field and I can truly say it’s time for me to step away. I want to thank all my teammates for being a part of this incredible journey. Thank you to Coach Reed, Coach Austin, Coach Jones, and Coach O for believing in me and challenging me to be the best version of myself. Thank you to the ownership group, all the training staff, the equipment staff, and everyone in the Ticats organization for everything over the past nine seasons.
I want to thank the amazing Tiger-Cats fans. Every time we took the field at Tim Hortons Field, at McMaster, or even on the road, you always made it special. Finally, thank you my wife Ashley for always supporting me, and to my son Xavier, I’m glad you got to watch Daddy play.”
Ted Laurent is six foot one and weighs 299 pounds. The 36-year-old from Powder Springs, Georgia, made 13 tackles and three sacks in 15 games for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2023. The Ticats signed Laurent as a free agent on June 1, 2014.
In nine seasons, Laurent has 161 tackles, 42 sacks, six forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in 139 games. He is a four-time CFL East All-Star (2014-16, 2018), and a CFL All-Star (2018).
Before Hamilton, the Eskimos (now Elks) drafted Laurent in the second round of the 2011 CFL Supplemental Draft. Edmonton forfeited a second-round pick in the 2012 CFL Draft. Laurent spent three seasons in Edmonton with 73 tackles, one tackle on special teams, 11 sacks, and two forced fumbles in 48 games. Laurent was named a CFL West All-Star in 2012.
Collegiately, Laurent played four seasons at Ole Miss (2007-10) with 57 tackles (27 solo, 30 assists), 13 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one pass breakup in 38 games for the Rebels.
“I want to congratulate Ted Laurent on his truly incredible career. He is an exceptional person who was a fierce competitor and a dominant force on the football field. A quiet leader who always let his actions speak for themselves, Ted set the benchmark for everyone else to emulate,” said President of Football Operations Orlondo Steinauer. “Aside from his commanding presence, he had a terrific sense of humor and an infectious laugh. I feel fortunate to have coached him for eight seasons and I really hope the next phase of his life brings him and his family all the best.”
