Hamilton special teams stalwart Marc Beswick announced his retirement today, after six straight years on the Tiger-Cats roster. After his first year in the CFL in Winnipeg, he played his entire career in Hamilton.

Beswick was a monster on special teams, tying the team’s record of 122 special teams tackles in his career. He was an East Divison All-Star and the East Division Most Outstanding Special Teams Player in 2013.

With defensive rules tightening up considerably this year, the kicking game will probably be an even bigger focus than before. Missing Beswick’s leadership and defensive organization on punt returns will likely hurt the Ticats even more than his stats would indicate.

Press release below.

MARC BESWICK ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT HAMILTON, ONT. – After seven seasons in the Canadian Football League, including six with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, linebacker Marc Beswick has announced his retirement. “I want to thank Bob Young and the entire Tiger-Cats organization for my time with the team, but most of all my coaches, trainers, equipment staff, the fans and especially, my teammates,” said Beswick. “As I move on from my football career today, I want TigerTown to know I will always bleed black and gold.” “As an organization, we would like to thank Marc for his six years with the club. His leadership and dedication to the team will be missed,” said Kent Austin, Vice-President of Football Operations, General Manager and Head Coach of the Tiger-Cats. “We wish him and his family the best and they will always be a part of the Tiger-Cat family.” Selected by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the fourth round, 31st overall, in the 2008 CFL Draft, Beswick spent one season with the Blue Bombers before signing with the Tiger-Cats on June 27, 2009. Overall, he suited up in 103 regular season games and 10 playoff games, including Grey Cup appearances in 2013 and 2014. Over the course of his seven-year career in the CFL, the native of Vancouver, British Columbia established himself as a one of the premier special teams players in the league. He accumulated 123 special teams tackles in the regular season and eight in the playoffs, leading the CFL in special teams tackles in 2011 (27) and 2013 (24), and leading the Tiger-Cats in that category in two additional seasons in 2010 (22) and 2012 (18). For his efforts, Beswick was named an East Division All-Star and the East Division’s Most Outstanding Special Teams Player in 2013, the same season he recorded his first and only CFL touchdown on a 10-yard reception versus Montreal on September 21. The 6-1, 198-pound linebacker will finish his Tiger-Cats career tied with Rob Hithcock for the all-time franchise lead in special teams tackles with 122.

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