First and foremost, I’d like to thank my Heavenly Father, for all he has done, is doing and will do for me! All glory belongs to him for this moment of my life!

I also give thanks to all family and friends who supported the Stampeders organization during the 2001 Grey Cup year and beyond.

To the Calgary Stampeders organization, thank you for taking a young man who was born in the city Charlotte, North Carolina, but raised in the small town of Robersonville, North Carolina, who had big dreams of becoming a professional quarterback. The opportunity to put on the red, white, black, and sometimes gold uniform was truly an honor and a blessing to me. I’m gracious for every moment of that journey.

From the time I prayed in Memphis, Tennessee, after playing for the Memphis Maniax, then getting a call/offer from Wally Buono to join the team was all part of the potter’s hand in my career and life after football.

This organization is truly a class act when it comes to professional sports. I am grateful for all the time spent in the city of Calgary and performing in the presence of some of the best fans in the league.

Another blessing is to have played for a great coaching staff assembled by the legend Wally Buono! Thanks to all of them who produced a Grey Cup winning team in 2001.

Many thanks go out to my teammates for the hard work they displayed day in and day out as we strived to achieve success.

Unfortunately the bittersweet part of this moment, is, we’ve lost some great people who will forever be a Stampeder. Ricky Bell being one, who was an intricate part of our defense in 2001. The latest eternal member, to my knowledge, being coach Dan Dorazio. Dan not only lead, through coaching, one of the best groups of offensive linemen in the league for many years, but helped produce one of the most stellar rushing attacks in the CFL for a number of seasons!

My heart is also heavy for one of the best receivers we played against, not only during our 2001 Quest for a Grey Cup victory, but throughout his entire career, Milt Stegall, who recently loss his son.   My condolences and prayers go out to all of those families, along with the families of Doug Rooke, Sugarfoot Anderson, Herm Harrison and any others I’m unaware of at this time.

A special thanks to my children, Carmelo, Darius, Malia Crandell and their mom Mona Crandell.  Although our children weren’t born during my time as a Stampeder, God had/has a plan for them and I thank their mom Mona for enduring the ups and downs that came with me playing the game I loved and giving birth to all 3 of them!  I love you all!

In closing, thank you Jay McNeil, Dave Dickenson and all who have been a part of making this announcement come to fruition, after many years of contemplating it.  For that, I am forever grateful.

Thank you!

Go Stamps Go!!!

To God Be The Glory!

– Marcus Crandell