Danny Mac Hangs Them Up

The Calgary Stampeder Football Club announced that one of the all-time CFL greats, Quarterback Danny McManus is retiring from the game. After an outstanding 17 year career Danny finishes second all-time in passing yards with 53,255.

McManus sits second all-time in CFL history with 6,689 pass attempts and 3,640 pass completions. He finishes his career sixth all-time in regular season games with 298 while also playing in 18 play-off games, six Grey Cups, winning three of them in 1990 (Winnipeg), 1994 (B.C.), and 1999 (Hamilton).

“I’m very pleased with my career having played 17 seasons,” said Danny McManus. “I feel very fortunate to have played the CFL game as it was a truly unique experience that has brought me countless memories. The two things that I will miss the most is the competition on the field and the guys in the locker room.”

Danny joined the Calgary Stampeders during the 2006 off-season. He dressed in all 18 regular season games including the Scotiabank West Semi-Final. During regular season action Danny completed 16 of 28 passes for 280 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.

“During your lifetime you get to know a limited number of first class individuals,” said Stampeder Managing Partner/President Ted Hellard. “For me I feel fortunate to list Danny amongst those I have had the opportunity to meet. The Stampeder organization wishes Danny the best as he moves forward and I am sure our paths will meet again.”

Along his career Danny put together some outstanding single season personal bests including: passing yards (5,334), pass attempts (612), completions (365), passing percentage (60.0), and touchdowns (29).

“It’s been a pleasure to have the opportunity to be with Danny in both Calgary and Edmonton,” said Stampeder Head Coach Tom Higgins. “Over the years it’s been exciting to watch Danny’s career unfold and see what he’s been able to achieve. He is a consummate pro and will be long remembered. We wish him all the best of luck in his career after playing football.”

From day one McManus excelled on the football field attending South Broward High School in Hollywood, Florida where he passed for 1,400 yards as a senior and 1,300 as a junior. He was a three-time letterman at Florida State playing in four seasons (1984-1987) and 27 games. He completed 248 passes in 455 attempts for 3,390 yards and 25 touchdowns and was named Player of the Year twice along with being named the MVP of the 1988 Fiesta Bowl.

Following his distinguished college career Danny was selected in the 11^th round (282^nd overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1988 NFL draft and signed by Kansas City in July, 1988. He was released after the 1989 season and signed as a free agent by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in May 1990. He would play three seasons with the Blue Bombers and the following three with the B.C. Lions. In 1996 Danny would become a Eskimo for two seasons before joining the Hamilton where he spent the majority of his career. He joined the Tiger-Cats back in 1998 leading the team to a Grey Cup appearance. The following season he would once again lead the Tiger-Cats to the Grey Cup to defeat the Calgary Stampeders in 1999. Danny would suit up for the Tiger-Cats for eight seasons (1998-2005).

Below is a closer look at some of Danny McManus achievements over the past 17 years:

McManus Career Highlights

5,000+ passing yards in a season – 1999, 2004

Third player in CFL history to pass for 50,000 career yards, joining Ron Lancaster and Damon Allen – 2004

CFL record of eight consecutive seasons with over 4,000 yards passing – 1995 - 2002

Passed Doug Flutie (41,355) for third place on the CFL’s all-time passing list on September 22, 2002

Grey Cup MVP – 1999

CFL Most Outstanding Player – 1999

Terry Evanshen Trophy (Most Outstanding Player in East Division) - 1999

East Division All-Star selection – 1999

CFL All-Star selection - 1999

Threw his 200th touchdown pass on September 8, 2002

Tiger-Cat season record with 29 touchdown passes (2004)

Surpassed Bernie Faloney’s Tiger-Cat record of 121 career touchdown passes (2003)