Long snapper Chris Cvetkovic retires from Blue Bombers after 11 seasons

Long snapper Chris Cvetkovic is retiring from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after 11 seasons. (File image)

WINNIPEG -- Long snapper Chris Cvetkovic is retiring from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after 11 seasons.

Cvetkovic finishes his career with 161 games, 66 special teams tackles and will retire as one of the most recognizable members of the community as a Blue Bomber.

The 36-year-old came to the Bombers from the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2003 after spending his rookie season in Regina and has been key part of the Winnipeg organization both on and off the field.

"The Winnipeg Blue Bombers would like to thank Chris for his boundless contributions, both on the football field, and in our community, over the past decade plus," said team president Wade Miller in a statement Monday.

He was a two-time winner of the Ed Kotowich Award, which recognizes a player for football ability, team camaraderie and extraordinary effort in the community.

"His tenacity, desire to win and build team camaraderie was very evident during my time playing with him, and we truly appreciate all of his efforts," said Miller.

Cvetkovic has lived in Winnipeg year-round since 2005 and in 2012 started a not-for-profit organization called Cvet's Pets that helps local Winnipeg No-Kill Animal Rescue Programs. He also organized a trip to Mexico with other CFL players where they spent time volunteering at an animal sterilization clinic and has worked with several charities.

During the winter of 2011, he was one of seven CFL players who travelled to Haiti to aide in tsunami relief efforts through a program called Huddle for Haiti.

"He was a great locker-room guy and a player whose efforts both on and off the football field will be missed," said Winnipeg general manager Kyle Walters.