Chad Owens gets chance to close chapter with Toronto Argonauts with one-day contract
Signing a one-day contract with the Toronto Argonauts, Chad Owens gets to return to the place that gave him his best years in the CFL and holds a special place in his heart.
It was a reunion and introduction all in one day for Chad Owens who got to close the chapter on his football career with the Toronto Argonauts, the team that holds a special place in his heart.
At BMO Field on Thursday, Owens was able to walk onto the field and take in the sights. It was there that he also got to reunite with Michael “Pinball” Clemons, Matt Black and Danny Webb who were close to him during his tenure with the Argos.
Dejon Brissett was quick to remind Owens of their first couple of meetings back when Brissett was a young aspiring player. The day ended with a symbolic contract signing for the former MOP.
During a brief meeting with Chad Kelly, the Argos quarterback made it a point to ask whether the one-day contract made Owens eligible to play. Despite being 41 years old, Owens didn't look like a player who was about five years removed from being on a football field.
“I believe I can still play. But that's not why I'm here,” Owens said. “Celebrating 150 amazing years of this amazing franchise, gave me and my family an opportunity to, play the game that I love, dedicated so much to. And to just be here to celebrate that and to be able to officially sign a one-day contract, retire and officially close this chapter. It's something I've been thinking about since we left and it was an unfortunate time during the pandemic. I figured this would be a perfect time to do this.”
Owens's return to Toronto will be joined by countless alumni including Terry Greer, Ricky Ray, Raghib ‘Rocket’ Ismail, and more surprise guests.
He is remembered for his record-breaking season in 2012 when he combined for 3,863, breaking current general manager Mike Clemons' record. He also holds the team record for most receiving yards in a playoff game (207) and most combined yards in a game (402).
Not only is it a chance for the team to celebrate and remember the good times but also where the organization has come over the years.
Owens made it a point to say that he believed the news of the Argos reaching 150 years as a franchise should be receiving more attention not just locally but across the country as well.
“It's what you love to see as alumni, to see the franchise develop and evolve. We talked about how this is the way championships are won, right?” Owens said. “We did it at the trailer park in Mississauga. I mean, no excuses there. But, you know, you're talking about building upon something special and winning it last year, here. And I just think it just helps with guys wanting to be here, when you come to a facility like this in Toronto you can't beat this. It's truly special.”