‘Today is one of the hardest days of my life’ Ticats’ lineman Mike Filer retires

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats has announced offensive lineman Mike Filer is retiring after nine years and eight seasons with the club.

Filer was currently attending training camp with the Tiger-Cats after re-signing with the team on May 28.

The Brantford-native appeared in 112 regular season games with 95 starts at centre.

He was also Hamilton’s 2019 nominee for the CFL’s Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award.

The end of an era 😢 Thank you for 9 years of leadership, tireless work ethic, community service and countless laughs. The epitome of what it means to be a Tiger-Cat.

Congratulations and best of luck in retirement, Mike!#ThankYouFiler | @Filer64 pic.twitter.com/jvMHEDigtG

— Hamilton Tiger-Cats (@Ticats) July 19, 2021

“Summing up Mike Filer in a few sentences is a disservice, but when I think about Mike I think about high character, perseverance, dependability, and leadership. You knew you had a person that was going to put in the time and effort to be ready to play every week,” said Orlondo Steinauer, Head Coach of the Tiger-Cats in a news release.

The 31-year-old was originally selected in the fifth round, 31st overall, in the 2012 CFL Draft by the Calgary Stampeders. He was later signed by Hamilton after being released by Calgary.

Filer issued a heartfelt statement on the Tiger-Cats’ website, thanking the organization, fans, and his family for all the memories.

Full statement from Mike Filer below.

“Today is one of the hardest days of my life. After nine years in the CFL with the Tiger-Cats, it is time for me to listen to my body and heart and hang up my cleats for the last time. Football has instilled life skills and core values in me that define who I am. I want to thank so many people, including Bob Young and Scott Mitchell for running a first class organization and their endless support to not only me, but all of our players in Hamilton. Drew Allemang and Shawn Burke for believing in a 20-year-old kid from Brantford that grew up dreaming of playing for the Tiger-Cats. Thank you to Coach O for his continued support and guidance, and all my past coaches for their time and commitment to helping me grow. My brothers (teammates) who were the main reason I came to work every day. We grew up together, played through pain together and will forever share memories of glory and heartbreak. To my wife Jen, son Dax, father Greg and late mother Kim – my biggest fans – thank you for allowing me to chase my dreams. I love you. And finally, to the greatest fans in the CFL, thank you TigerTown! I still get shivers thinking about running out of the tunnel at Tim Hortons Field and hearing your roar. I also loved my time off the field in the community and am grateful for everyone I crossed paths with. Thank you, Hamilton, for allowing me to be a part of it all.”