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Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros is not ready to announce his retirement just yet. Speaking to reporters at the team’s end-of-season availability on Sunday, an emotional Collaros said he plans to take time before making any decision about his future — likely waiting until January.
Collaros Reflects on His Blue Bombers Career
The 38-year-old has spent seven seasons in Winnipeg and 14 years total in the CFL. His comments came one day after the Bombers fell 33-23 to the Montreal Alouettes in the East Division final on Saturday. “I’ve thought about my future more and more as I’ve gotten older,” Collaros said. “I’ve always kind of had it in the back of my head.”
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Collaros grew visibly emotional when discussing what the organization has meant to him. “Just being able to be part of this organization, being around the people that I’ve been able to be around — I’ll never forget it,” he said. “It’s been such an amazing journey and an amazing blessing to be in this community.”
Contract extension talks began early in the 2026 season. However, those discussions stalled after Collaros suffered a neck injury during a road win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on July 5. He confirmed no further talks have taken place since then. “I would have thought I was going to play another couple of years,” he said. “Things happen and we’ll see.”
During the regular season, Collaros threw for 2,989 yards, 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He missed six games due to injury and also sat out the East Division semifinal win over the Toronto Argonauts after suffering a rib injury on October 23. He entered the final against Montreal as a game-time decision.
Other Veterans Also Weighing Their Options
Collaros is not the only Bomber facing an uncertain future. Offensive linemen Stanley Bryant and Patrick Neufeld are also considering retirement. Both players are currently without contracts for next season.
Bryant, a four-time CFL top offensive lineman award winner with 16 years in the league, pointed to his body as the key factor. “Mentally, I’m fine, but the body is a key factor,” he said. Meanwhile, Neufeld — the team’s longest-tenured player with 13 of his 15 CFL seasons spent in Winnipeg — cited family responsibilities. He and his partner welcomed twins earlier this summer, and he also has a three-year-old daughter. “I just want to make sure I do what’s best for them,” Neufeld said.
Teammates Remain Optimistic About the Future
Running back Brady Oliveira paid tribute to Collaros and the veteran core. “This guy gets traded here and the drought is ended. We win a Grey Cup in 2019 and he’s a massive part of it,” Oliveira said. “The guy is Bomber royalty forever.” Still, Oliveira expressed confidence in the organization moving forward. “It’s not going to be a rebuild per se,” he said. “We still have great guys in this locker room that can win games for us.”
Defensive end Willie Jefferson, 35, confirmed he wants to return for an eighth season in Winnipeg. He urged teammates not to rush their decisions. “Enjoy the offseason,” Jefferson said. “Whatever 2027 holds, I hope the best for everybody.”
