VANCOUVER — Canadian offensive lineman Dean Valli retired Monday after 10 seasons with the B.C. Lions.
B.C. selected Valli sixth overall in the 2006 CFL draft out of Simon Fraser University.
"Dean gave us everything he had for 10 years and I'm grateful for his contributions to our club both on the field and in the community," Wally Buono, the Lions head coach/GM, said in a statement. "I know he steps away from the game with a very bright future ahead of him and we wish Dean the very best as he moves into the next phase of his life."
Valli, 32, a native of North Vancouver, B.C., appeared in 155 career games with B.C., winning Grey Cups in 2006 and 2011.
Valli was also very active in the community, working with such programs as Be More Than a Bystander and FortisBC Energy Champions while also attending numerous amateur football practices.
"It was an incredible honour to have been able to play my entire career for my hometown team," said Valli. "The memories that I take away from this decade of professional football will be with me always and I'm excited about what the future holds for me both professionally and personally."
The Lions also announced American receiver Cam Morrah, who suffered a season-ending knee injury last year, has informed the club he's retiring as well.
