International linebacker Deron Mayo has announced his retirement after six seasons with the Calgary Stampeders.

“It is with a gracious heart that I announce my retirement from the CFL,” said Mayo. “I would like to thank the Stampeders organization, my teammates and our supporters for making Calgary feel like home these last six years. After 18 months of rehab and many setbacks along the way, I feel that it’s in my family’s best interest to walk away and focus on life after football. I am grateful to all who have helped me along the way and for those who continue to motivate me throughout this process. Professional football has provided my family with a foundation to build upon for the rest of my life. The perseverance, grit and discipline that I have learned from playing this game for well over a decade will fuel my success in the coming years. Thanks and God Bless.”

Mayo played 87 career games for the Stamps and was a member of Calgary’s Grey Cup-winning team in 2014. The 29-year-old Old Dominion product had 277 career defensive tackles as well as 33 special-teams tackles, 14 sacks, one interception, one forced fumble, six fumble recoveries and 11 knockdowns.

In 2016, Mayo served as a team captain and was voted by his teammates as the Presidents’ Ring winner for demonstrating excellence on and off the field. In 2015, he was the Stamps’ nominee for Most Outstanding Defensive Player. Mayo originally signed with the Stampeders in 2012.

“I thank Deron for everything he has done for the Stampeders on and off the field over the course of his career,” said Stampeders president and general manager John Hufnagel. “He was a very good player for us – he was an important part of our defence and a strong leader in the locker room. He also showed his commitment to the city by remaining in Calgary year round and giving back to the community. I wish him, his wife Janelle and their daughter Maliya all the best in the future.”