Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
TORONTO — After 15 memorable seasons, is it finally time for Ricky Ray to turn the page on his illustrious career?
Only Ray himself can decide for sure, and the 38-year-old’s play in 2017 has allowed him to choose his path with the full confidence it’ll be the right decision.
Still, for those looking on, it’s hard not to weigh in on what the Argos’ quarterback should do next.
Complicating matters recently was the team’s acquisition of James Franklin, who becomes a free agent on Feb. 13 without a new deal — a deal that could hinge on whether Ray decides to hang ’em up in 2018.
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Ricky Ray celebrates with the Grey Cup after last month’s win over the Stamps (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)
Of course, Franklin’s acquisition is only one piece of the decision-making puzzle.
The case for Ray to retire is a strong one. Ray has an opportunity to do exactly what Henry Burris did one year ago: walk after winning a championship. If Ray departs, the final memory of him would be holding up the fourth Grey Cup of his career at Ottawa’s TD Place.
Until Ray’s iconic win in the snow against the heavily-favoured Stamps last month, no quarterback had ever started and won four Grey Cups. Not Anthony Calvillo, not Doug Flutie, not even Warren Moon.
In addition, Ray can retire as the CFL’s fourth all-time leading passer, with four 5,000-yard passing seasons, four divisional all-star nods and three league all-star honours.
And then there’s Franklin. Ray’s decision should come down to whatever makes sense for him, and the Argos would be lucky to have him back next year. But if retirement is what it takes to get a potential franchise quarterback in his prime like Franklin — the likes of which the Argos haven’t had in their recent history — maybe that carries some weight.
On the other hand, no one would blame Ricky Ray for returning in 2018. After many pundits called him washed up and injury-prone, Ray flourished in his first year under Marc Trestman, throwing for 5,546 yards — the second-most in his career — while starting 17 games for the Double Blue.
He threw for 300-plus yards a league-high 13 times, while his 71 per cent efficiency rating tied Matt Nichols for the best among all starters.
Ricky Ray is pictured at practice before last month’s 105th Grey Cup Championship (CFL.ca)
Scott Milanovich and Jim Barker were criticized for passing over younger quarterbacks Zach Collaros and Trevor Harris for the elder Ray, but both aforementioned pivots have failed to do what Ray’s done in his career four times now, including twice as an Argo: win a championship.
Welcoming Ray back with open arms isn’t just a matter of loyalty; it automatically gives the Argos a chance to contend for a Grey Cup. Because after the season he had, there’s no reason Ray can’t continue to produce at a high level and help the Argos win the East.
All of these factors may play a role in Ray’s upcoming decision. Yet in the end, the quarterback will rely on his intuition — something he’s mastered in his time on the field.
In sports, retiring is the most difficult decision imaginable. It’s a one-time shot, and there’s usually no turning back.
It’s not that the Argos’ quarterback has anything to prove to any of us. But does he feel fulfilled? Is it still in his heart to go through the grind of the seven-month football season? Are there other avenues outside of football to pursue? These are all questions to ponder.
In any case, Ray’s predicament is one most professional athletes can only dream of.
