Akron and CFL Legend Shawn Lemon Announces Retirement From Football

After over a decade in the professional ranks, former Akron Zips defensive lineman Shawn Lemon is calling it a career.

Lemon announced his decision in a lengthy statement posted to X on Wednesday.

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In the statement, Lemon said "Thank you for all the fans across Canada. You guys have been nothing but amazing to me throughout my career. I remember my first time coming to Canada sigining to the Canadian Football League. Who would've known my life would change for the better?"

After a stellar high school football career in Maryland, Lemon played for the Akron Zips 2007-2010. He was an All-MAC selection his senior season with 39 tackles, 10.5 for a loss, and seven sacks.

After college, Lemon went on to play for eight of the nine CFL franchises over the next 13 years, in addition to stints in arena football and on NFL practice squads.

Lemon went out on top in 2023 with his third Grey Cup title. The Montreal Alouettes signed him midway through the season, but he still managed to deliver nine sacks. He finishes his CFL career with 101 total sacks.