REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders have announced national defensive back Graig Newman is retiring from the Canadian Football League, the team announced Monday.

The 27-year-old Saskatoon resident spent three of his five CFL seasons with the Green and White. Newman spent the 2012 and 2013 seasons with the Riders before joining the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He returned to Saskatchewan for the 2016 season after signing with the team as a free agent.

Through his three seasons with the Riders, Newman picked up 37 special-teams tackles, 10 defensive tackles and one quarterback sack in 44 regular-season games.

He also played in three playoff games and was a member of the Riders’ 2013 Grey Cup-winning team.

“First, I would like to thank the Saskatchewan Roughriders for providing me with the opportunity of a lifetime,” Newman stated. “It has been a dream come true for a kid growing up in Saskatchewan.

“I would also like to thank the best fans in the CFL, Rider Nation, for their support over the years,” added Newman. “To all the teammates, coaches and staff that I have had the pleasure sharing this amazing experience with, thank you! It has been an honour and a privilege to play in the CFL and I am extremely proud to retire a Saskatchewan Roughrider.”

Newman continues to live in Saskatoon where he works for ClearTech Industries.