OTTAWA – Nigel Romick, a defensive lineman and original Ottawa Redblack, announced his retirement from professional football Friday after 11 seasons.
Romick spent his entire CFL career with Ottawa, playing in 128 games from 2014 to 2025 and helping the Redblacks to three Grey Cup appearances, including a championship in 2016.
The Thunder Bay, Ont., native recorded 113 career special teams tackles, along with 17 defensive tackles and one sack.

Ottawa Redblacks player Nigel Romick cleans out his locker in the team’s dressing room, in Ottawa on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
In a statement, Redblacks vice president of football operations Shawn Burke praised Romick for his professionalism, toughness, and leadership
Romick was drafted by the Redblacks in the third round, 23rd overall, in the 2014 CFL draft before Ottawa’s inaugural season.
Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter
The Warm-Up
Winnipeg Jets Game Days
On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop.

He said he looks forward to supporting the Redblacks as a fan in retirement.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 24, 2026.