Angus Reid cleaned out his locker Tuesday, wondering whether he would return for a 13th season with the B.C. Lions.
But the 36-year-old centre, who is contemplating retirement, was not the only one pondering his future in wake of B.C.'s 34-29 loss to the Calgary Stampeders in the Western Final on Sunday, when the Lions were denied a chance at a second straight Grey Cup victory.
Change is inevitable at this time of year. But as the Lions signed autographs, shook hands and departed carrying plastic bags full of their personal belongings, there was a feeling the club will make more moves than it has in recent off-seasons.
"It was a conscious decision this year to keep our team pretty much the same as the Grey Cup championship team, to hopefully repeat," said Reid. "We wanted to keep that team together for one more run. We didn't do it. Everyone now is one year older. I don't know who, what, where - but you know there'll be more change than there was last year."
Reid admitted he can't make an objective choice, so he will sit down with family members and coaches for help in determining his future. He will not base his decision just on a chance to win another Grey Cup. The decision, he said, is not about erasing a bad memory.
It's about a lifestyle that includes an entire off-sea-son of preparation, training camp and five practices per week.
"I love to do it, I really do, but it does take a lot out of me physically, psychologically, emotionally," he said.
Considering both his personal plight and the team's situation, he is struggling with figuring out when would be the right time to leave.
"It's always the hardest part for a professional athlete, to know when the time is to leave, because anyone who leaves on a high note realizes they probably still have something left in the tank. And anyone who pushes it so far past that, maybe, leaves with regret.
"It's very hard when you're the athlete to make that decision, because any great athlete always believes they have another year in them. They always do - and if they don't there's something wrong with their confidence in themselves. Sometimes it takes an objective viewpoint."
Other changes loom on B.C.'s offensive line. Guard Jesse Newman plans to retire and will likely pursue a career as a firefighter, for which he has already taken steps. Newman, who missed 13 games in the regular season due to a knee injury that required surgery, was glad that he was able to start in the Western Final in place of injured colleague Dean Valli (knee).
However, Newman, 30, bothered by injuries in other seasons, had regrets as he reflected on his five-year career.
"Statistically, I got two Grey Cups in five years, and I started a lot of games in those five years," said Newman, a Vancouver native who won a CFL title with the Lions in 2011 and Calgary in 2008.
"But, personally, I know I could have done a lot more. I didn't reach my potential, and that's something that I'll have to think about forever, I guess."
Offensive tackle Jovan Olafioye has played out his option and may weigh NFL options after he signed with the St. Louis Rams last winter but had the contract voided after he failed a physical as a result of not taking medication for hypertension. Guards Valli and Jon Hameister-Ries have battled injuries and could have their futures determined by club management.
