'There's a lot of uncertainty': Roughrider Shea Emry retires due to multiple concussions
Emry says he's not sure what the future holds, but he's excited about life after football
Roughrider Shea Emry is retiring from the CFL after multiple concussions. It's a decision he had been pondering for years.
"The first time it popped into my head was in 2011," he told CBC. "When I got my concussion this past season, I was still trying to battle back and seeing if I could get back onto the field. And I just had to make a decision for my own personal health to move forward."
The desire to be around for his family was a big factor in the decision. He has a 16-month-old son and another daughter on the way. Emry said he wanted to be "aware and cognisant into their later years."
The uncertainty doesn't get any easier but for the most part I've had great support in making this decision and I'm just excited about what life is like after football.- Shea Emry
After signing with the Riders as a prize free agent last season, Emry was injured in the first game and didn't play another.
Many athletes downplay the risk of concussions and don't give up their sport. Emry said that might be due to the love of the game, but he pushed himself to put his health first.
"I love the game and regardless of what sport it is there's an identity associated with that as well, and maybe potentially not knowing what life will be like after the game might be taken away," he said.
"You know there's a lot of uncertainty. And you know being in an uncertain position is very difficult for men who are very hesitant to be vulnerable, and for me I've been practicing that for years. The uncertainty doesn't get any easier but for the most part I've had great support in making this decision and I'm just excited about what life is like after football."
Emry said there will always be mixed reactions to the decision to retire, but the team has been very supportive.
While he is unsure what the future holds, Emry said he will continue to build Wellmen, an outdoor adventure club for men he founded. He will also do his advocacy work for mental health.
"I'm just embracing energetically anything that comes my way, and looking forward to doing so."