LIONS TO HONOUR GEROY
VANCOUVER – The B.C. Lions made a tough decision to part ways with Geroy Simon prior to last season.
When the 38-year-old retired earlier this month, it was an easy call to honour the CFL’s all-time leading receiver as soon as possible.
The Lions announced before Friday’s 37-13 pre-season victory over the Calgary Stampeders that Simon will have his No. 81 added to B.C. Place Stadium’s Ring of Honour this summer.
“It’s something that’s very special and I appreciate it,” said Simon. “This was home for a long time and it’s a place where I feel real comfortable so I’m really happy and really honoured for the recognition.”
While Simon is more than deserving, the speed at which it has come about is a bit of a surprise.
B.C. traded Simon to the Saskatchewan Roughriders when it was decided his role would change with the Lions for the 2013 season. He went on to have modest numbers during the regular season with the Riders, but scored two touchdowns in the club’s Grey Cup victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Simon had indicated that he wanted to play one more season with either the Lions or Riders in 2014, but wasn’t able to agree to terms with either club.
“That was the plan but it just didn’t work out,” said Simon, who won the Grey Cup with the Lions in 2006 and 2011. “I wanted to play but I also didn’t want to play anywhere else other than B.C. or Saskatchewan. I made that quite clear. When the decision was made that I wasn’t going to come here I just said I’m going to retire and move on.”
The Johnstown, Pa., native added that he doesn’t hold any animosity towards the Lions for what transpired the last two off-seasons.
“I think that takes more effort to be mad and hold a grudge,” said Simon. “I move on. I’m looking forward to my next career and I’m happy with my decision and whatever else happens.”
Lions general manager and vice-president of football operations Wally Buono said honouring Simon was “a no brainer.”
“I want to thank Geroy for making this happen because he could have been difficult to deal with,” said Buono. “He was, as he always is, a great pro, a great human being.”
Now working as a scout for Saskatchewan, Simon was taken aback that his former club would reach out so quickly and honour him on July 25 against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, coincidentally the team that gave him his start in the CFL.
“It was totally unexpected. I didn’t expect it,” he said. “I was shocked but happy and pleased with the organization.”
Simon said he now wants to build his front-office resume in hopes of one day running a CFL team.
“In 10 years I see myself as being a GM or an president of an organization,” he said. “I want to be running the show somewhere.
“I’m not done (winning Grey Cups). I’m going to win a few more.”
