OTTAWA — Following a seven-year CFL career, Ottawa REDBLACKS defensive lineman Michael Klassen is retiring from football.

Ahead of the team’s final game of the year against the Montreal Alouettes on Friday, the 28-year-old made the announcement via Instagram on Friday.

“I want to thank all my coaches for both giving me an opportunity and instilling great qualities that will hopefully help me along in this next chapter of life!” Klassen said in the post. “I was fortunate to play beside so many great football players and even better men that I consider some of my best friends, so I thank all my teammates for your friendship as well as putting up with all my locker room antics!

“To my friends and family for the continued support throughout the years! You guys make the pain and suffering of this rough sport all worth it!”

Klassen, 28, spent three years at the University of Calgary, compiling 40 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and an interception over 18 games with the Dinos.

He was selected by the Montreal Alouettes in the fourth round of the 2013 CFL Draft. In his four seasons with the Als, he had 48 tackles, eight sacks, and two forced fumbles in 54 games.

The Calgary native played a single season for his hometown Stampeders before heading back out East to play for the REDBLACKS. In two seasons in the nation’s capital, Klassen accumulated 50 tackles and six sacks in 25 games.

TD Place will play host to the REDBLACKS’ season finale against the Als. The teams are set to kick off at 7:00 p.m. ET.