Henry Burris is riding off into the sunset, but is not leaving the city behind.
The Ottawa REDBLACKS quarterback announced his retirement today, capping off a football career that spanned 20 seasons and ended with the Grey Cup held above his head.
"Myself, my family... we all came to start new roots here in such a great city," said Burris with his teammates behind him at a media conference this afternoon. "One thing we promised our faithful here is we were here to win a Grey Cup. And the fact that we delivered in such a short period of time - in only three years - is something that's just unheard of."
"It goes to the hard work that I attribute to the sacrifices my family made, to the men and women that stand up here with me right now and are here in this room. Without you all, none of this would be possible. But - even more importantly - the fans."
The 41-year-old leaves a distinguished playing career behind him.
Burris is third on the league's all-time passing list and all-time passing touchdown list.
He won two Most Outstanding Player awards and was Grey Cup MVP twice.
Burris outlined plans today to continue contributing to the community.
"I'm still calling Ottawa home," said Burris. "When we came here, the city embraced my family and I. The people here are first class in every angle and every area."
"There has never been a city I could call home and feel more comfortable in saying that."