Esteemed veteran offensive lineman Chris Van Zeyl has officially announced his retirement from professional football today, marking the culmination of a remarkable 15-season career in the Canadian Football League.
Hailing from Fonthill, Ontario, Van Zeyl amassed a notable record during his tenure, participating in 36 regular season games and seven playoff fixtures across four seasons with the Hamilton franchise (2019-23). His tenure with the team notably saw them clinch consecutive Grey Cup appearances in 2019 and 2021. Van Zeyl, a former McMaster Marauder, garnered significant recognition during his Hamilton tenure, earning distinctions such as CFL All-Star (2019), CFL East All-Star (2019, ’21), and the prestigious title of CFL’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in 2019.
Orlondo Steinauer, President of Football Operations for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, lauded Van Zeyl’s illustrious career, highlighting his exceptional professionalism both on and off the field. Steinauer expressed gratitude for the privilege of coaching Van Zeyl, noting his evolution into a remarkable leader and individual. The organization extended heartfelt appreciation to Van Zeyl for his invaluable contributions to both the team and the community of Hamilton, while also offering their best wishes for his future endeavors.
Van Zeyl’s extensive career spanned 15 years, during which he participated in 192 regular season games, 12 playoff encounters, and four Grey Cup appearances (100, 105, 107, 108) with both the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2019-23) and the Toronto Argonauts (2008-18). Notably, he clinched Grey Cup victories in 2012 and 2017 and earned multiple individual accolades, including three CFL All-Star selections (2013, ’17, ’19) and seven CFL East All-Star nominations (2013, ’14, ’16-19, ’21).
Beginning his football journey at McMaster University, Van Zeyl distinguished himself as a defensive lineman for four seasons (2004-07), earning recognition as a CIS All-Canadian, first-team OUA player, and the Marauder Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2007. Drafted by the Montreal Alouettes in the third round of the 2007 CFL Draft, Van Zeyl transitioned to the offensive line upon signing with the Argonauts in 2008.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Van Zeyl made significant contributions to the Hamilton community, earning acclaim such as the Jake Gaudaur Veteran’s Trophy in 2021 for embodying the attributes of Canada’s veterans. He actively participated in numerous community initiatives, including those led by United Way Halton & Hamilton, TELUS #EndBullying All-Stars, Interval House of Hamilton, the STELCO High School Mentorship program, Hamilton Health Sciences, and the Children’s Aid Society.
