David Mackie retires

[SammyGreene]

At last, we learn of 34's future via his Instagram account this morning. Extremely happy for him but very sad to see him go. That's a big hole in their lockerroom and on the field to fill.

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[B.C.FAN]

I’m sorry to see Mackie go. He has been an outstanding, selfless leader on and off the field, despite getting far too few touches of the ball. I wish him every success.

[Hambone]

I had a hunch this is where things were heading to.

[squishy35]

Mackie was the cowbell of the Lions. We really needed more of him. I'm happy for him that he retired on his terms. If you read this forum, All the best to you and your family David.

[SammyGreene]

I had a hunch this is where things were heading to.

I’m thinking if the Lions threw down the exact same contract on the table or better yet an eastern team does he is still playing, just based on the timing of his announcement.
But enough of the speculation. Just appreciating and reflecting on one of their true unsung heroes in franchise history.

[B.C.FAN]

The Lions put together a nice highlight video of Mackie’a career.

[David]

I am very sad to see him retire but he seems at peace with his decision.

I have to say that I did not see retirement forthcoming due to the amount of off-season online content he was featured in by the club.

I wish him the best. Would be wonderful to see him back here in a coaching capacity or front office capacity one day.


DH

[Sir Purrcival]

I echo the sentiments of others, sad to see him go. His impact was outsized compared to the number of touches he received. A stalwart on and off the field.

[Hambone]

I am very sad to see him retire but he seems at peace with his decision.

I have to say that I did not see retirement forthcoming due to the amount of off-season online content he was featured in by the club.

I wish him the best. Would be wonderful to see him back here in a coaching capacity or front office capacity one day.


DH

I never would have considered him retiring until watching the off-season online content in the Arrow Up series with him, Lee and Whyte. It was likely about this time last year that the Lions decided to proceed with the series and picked the 3 participants. Even he might have thought anybody thinking a year later he'd be retiring was crazy.

After watching the first two episodes I could see where a move back east to either Hamilton or Toronto was highly possible. Of course there has to be mutual interest. Maybe such mutual interest simply wasn't there, or if it was, not at a price that would be attractive enough to continue playing.

Ironic that 2 of the 3 main characters in that series are no longer with the club a month after it was released.

[don corleone]

Add me to the did not expect this list.

One thing that was nice was for him to go out as a Lion having only ever been a Lion. My guess is if he was asked about his time in BC he would respond about loving every minute. It's a tribute to the fans, the city, and the province.

Money may not even have entered the picture but even so as others have mentioned it is hard to argue his value to the team was not as great if not greater than other higher paid players. I feel a shout out to U Sports football is appropriate.

As for the future Mackie might be just the guy to freshen up the panel in an effort to attract a younger audience. We can only hope on that.

Does explain some of the moves though and makes me wonder if they were in on Milancovic Litre

[TheLionKing]

Another player who's skill was underutilized by the Lions.

[Gridiron Ernie]

"Football changed my life for the better and I will proudly dedicate myself to ensure it can do the same for future generations." This closing thought from Mackie's retirement announcement is interesting, and a bit intriguing. I wonder what his plans are. I wish him well. He was one among my favourite Leos. I'll look forward to seeing him in some capacity within or related to the CFL. Thank you David!

[Toppy Vann]

Definitely a BC Lion who will be missed by players and fans alike.

It's sometimes hard to know with some retirees what motivates their decision to exit.

Maybe he has something else lined up or just wanted to be closer to home as others suggest or he figures the toll on his body isn't worth it.

[Hambone]

Definitely a BC Lion who will be missed by players and fans alike.

It's sometimes hard to know with some retirees what motivates their decision to exit.

Maybe he has something else lined up or just wanted to be closer to home as others suggest or he figures the toll on his body isn't worth it.

There can be a variety of factors that differ from one person to the next in terms of importance when contemplating retirement. What we know from the Arrow Up series is Msckie, who is now 30, is married to his college girl. She has a very good job at Western. That he was doing some work helping with strength and conditioning might be pointing to opportunity in Western's athletic dept.

For him to play in Vancouver while she's working in London makes for 6 months of long distance relationship. Some make it work. Others would find that taxing. Being a relatively young couple perhaps starting a family is now a priority.

[Toppy Vann]

Definitely a BC Lion who will be missed by players and fans alike.

It's sometimes hard to know with some retirees what motivates their decision to exit.

Maybe he has something else lined up or just wanted to be closer to home as others suggest or he figures the toll on his body isn't worth it.

There can be a variety of factors that differ from one person to the next in terms of importance when contemplating retirement. What we know from the Arrow Up series is Msckie, who is now 30, is married to his college girl. She has a very good job at Western. That he was doing some work helping with strength and conditioning might be pointing to opportunity in Western's athletic dept.

For him to play in Vancouver while she's working in London makes for 6 months of long distance relationship. Some make it work. Others would find that taxing. Being a relatively young couple perhaps starting a family is now a priority.

I've only watched the Sean Whyte Arrow up if that's the name. I thought it was more information than I'd be sharing but he's smart so he know's what he's doing.

Your view here may well be spot on.