Longtime Hamilton Ticats star linebacker Simoni Lawrence retires from football

It’s the end of an era for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Star linebacker Simoni Lawrence announced his retirement from football Thursday.

The 35-year-old American spent 12 seasons in the CFL, the last 11 with Hamilton after starting his career in Canada with the Edmonton Elks.

But Lawrence will still be around Tim Hortons Field as he has accepted a position with the Hamilton Sports Group as a brand and community ambassador.

Hamilton Sports Group owns both the Ticats as well as soccer’s Forge FC.

A fan favourite in Hamilton, Ticats supporters will be able to pay tribute to Lawrence at his retirement party Wednesday at Tim Hortons Field.

Lawrence amassed 742 tackles (32 for loss), 35 sacks, 15 interceptions, 13 forced fumbles, and 11 fumble recoveries over 169 career regular-season games, including 154 with Hamilton.

He was a three-time CFL all-star and five times an East Division all-star.

Three times Lawrence was the East Division’s top defensive player.

The Canadian Press