Thelwell Retiring from CFL

[CFLFanfromVancouver]

Ryan Thelwell announces retirement

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=350995

[David]

I wish Ryan the best of luck in his future endeavors. A class act.

Too bad he played the last few years with the Stamps - we could have used him. Somewhat of an under-rated receiver. Had some issues dropping passes early in his career (some challenges with bouts of depression too IIRC), then became a silky smooth "go to" receiver capable of great YAC. Shows what can happen when you stick with someone.

DH

[B.C.FAN]

Ryan Thelwell is a classic case of a player who became a dependable receiver because the club stuck with him and kept giving him chances. Many talented receivers get the dropsies when they first get into the lineup because they lack confidence or think too much about getting hit, or simply think about dropping the ball instead of catching it. Those mental errors can be overcome with patience and understanding from the coaches and management. Thelwell, like Andy Fantuz, Kamau Peterson and Emmanuel Arceneaux, became a dependable CFL receiver as he gained confidence. He continued to produce in Calgary after leaving the Lions.

[zark]

I never understood why we got rid of him. We groomed him and the Stumps got the benefits. I still remember him showing up at the little Edmonds Santa Cause Parade with the cup.
Good luck Ryan.

[WestCoastJoe]

Yes, I would say we could have used him to our benefit. I guess Wally lost confidence in him. And perhaps he got a bit too expensive for Wally to re-up him.

With our NI receivers, I sure hope Gore and Foster develop. Paris seemed to slip considerably last year. Leg problems, etc. Paris used to be able to get open deep. Now he seems like mostly a possession type receiver. He seems to have trouble getting separation. And he seems almost slow afoot.

O'Neil Wilson is almost like a decoy. Someone would seem to have to cover him, but in fact they could probably leave him alone, since we don't throw to him much.

Geroy is shackled by the D, since he is our primary receiver. Manny really helped our O. It is no sure thing that Black can step right in and replace Manny, although Black may well be up to it.

Our passing game was far from hitting on all cylinders last year. It would seem to have the makings. Hopefully we can get it going this year.

And best wishes to Ryan Thelwell on his retirement from football. Time to get a real job. Ha ha

Early morning musings ...

[almo89]

Pretty amazing that Simon still led the team in receiving last year at his age. Everybody, including Simon at times, had a bad case of the dropsies. Hopefully this year some of the young guys can step it up and relieve some pressure off Simon. If we can have a decent passing attack this year, I can see Simon having a good year. He's still my fave

Best wishes to Thelwell. He was a class guy from beginning to end. I never wanted to see him or Clermont go, but what can you do.

[notahomer]

Sorry to hear he's hung them up. I personally wish Thewell all the best in the future. I got an autograph off of him right after he won a Cup with the Lions (during the locker-room sale). The writing was already on the wall, IMO, so I wished him the best in case he didn't come back (he didn't as we all know). I'm glad he went on to earn another Grey Cup ring.

[Rammer]

Pretty amazing that Simon still led the team in receiving last year at his age. Everybody, including Simon at times, had a bad case of the dropsies. Hopefully this year some of the young guys can step it up and relieve some pressure off Simon. If we can have a decent passing attack this year, I can see Simon having a good year. He's still my fave

Best wishes to Thelwell. He was a class guy from beginning to end. I never wanted to see him or Clermont go, but what can you do.

Become the Lions GM?

Best wishes to Thelwell, it was nice to see him emerge the elite receiver level with the Lions after a slow start. But above his football capabilities was a man with complete class that left his heart behind with the Lions after the release. He did run into the too expensive category when the Lions seemingly had a ton of young talent behind knocking on the door. I don't blame Wally for this release, but in retrospect it hurt the Lions and even to a certain degree helped our rivals win a GC.