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Sherritt said he was in no way influenced by the decision being faced by Reilly.

“Absolutely not at all. I love Mike to death and consider him a very close friend. But he wasn’t going to impact any decision I was going to make. I’ve told him I can’t wait to see what the future holds and I’ll leave it at that. He’s going to make the best decision for himself as he should.”

The 2012 CFL Award winner as Most Outstanding Defensive Player who won a Grey Cup ring in 2015, left a list of significant statistics that included 552 tackles, 15 sacks, 17 forced fumbles, 14 interceptions, six fumble recoveries and one touchdown in 109 games.

But the numbers don’t come close to saying it all when it comes to No. 47. Anybody who has been around this team during his career knows how much more there was to Sherritt than the numbers.

Along with quarterback Reilly, he may have led the league in leadership. He certainly led the way in showing the way in terms of the legendary “Eskimos Way” and did so with class and character all the way.

Despite a five-foot-nine frame, Sherritt used every ounce of his 209-pounds to leave the game having made a name and left a legacy that should put him on the Eskimos Wall of Fame.

But by retiring now after breaking into the league with 11 tackles in his first game as a rookie, you have to wonder if he left enough evidence to make him a no-debate Canadian Football Hall of Famer?

“That’s just not something I played for,” he told me. “I don’t fault people who do. We all have different motivations. But the Hall of Fame wasn’t one of mine. I wanted to win multiple championships. I won one and that’s the pinnacle of my career by far.”

Sherritt’s written statement was a testimonial to the team, the town, the league and the country.

“I had opportunities and developed relationships that would not have been possible without this great country and without this league.

“My admiration and love for this country and this league will last for the rest of my life. I had no idea about the magical city and community I was joining back in 2011.

“Edmonton and the Eskimos will always have a place in my heart.”

J.C. Sherritt will always have a special place in Edmonton’s heart.

E-mail: tjones@postmedia.com

On Twitter: @ByTerryJones