On the field, Dave Dickenson was the model of calm. But the prospect of a premature retirement caused the usually unflappable 34-year-old to briefly lose his composure Wednesday.

"Looking at my career honestly I can say very privileged, very lucky," Dickenson said, holding back tears. "I guess it was a little bit more quality over quantity, not as many games as I would have liked, a few too many injuries.

"But I felt as far as when I was out there I got it done. But anyway before I get going on that I'm happy and appreciate all you guys and all the support we got here."

Dickenson spent 11 seasons in the CFL with Calgary and B.C. He played in five Grey Cups, winning three, and was thrilled to be brought in as a backup to Henry Burris in 2008 when the Stampeders won the championship.

But Dickenson was plagued by injuries throughout his career, including several concussions. His last game was Sept. 1 in the Labour Day Classic against the Edmonton Eskimos when he suffered post-concussion symptoms.

"I've had a lot of time and I couldn't get medical clearance so I knew this was it," he said. "I wanted to get in for the playoffs but I think there was a reason I needed to retire.

"Honestly it was a good thing that it was a really insignificant hit in the scope of things. But it also set my mind at ease and I'm really not beat up about this decision because I know it's right."

Burris said he was glad to have Dickenson as a mentor this past season and equated winning the Grey Cup in the Montana native's final year as "John Wayne riding into the sunset." As a competitor Burris said few were as good as Dickenson.

"Dave was a perfect 10, shoot this guy was dead eye," Burris said with his usual smile. "If there was only one part he lacked in, he wasn't Schwarzenegger, he wasn't He-Man so he made up for it with his tenacity and his smarts."

Stampeders coach John Hufnagel said it was a very fulfilling year for Dickenson even though he wasn't on the field as much as he had expected. Hufnagel added not only was Dickenson talented on the field but he brought much value to the team with his leadership.

"You feel good for the player that he has had an opportunity to have a tremendous career," Hufnagel said. "You feel good he is doing it on his terms and I wish him nothing but the best."

Dickenson began his career with Calgary and was named the CFL's outstanding player in 2000. He spent time over the next two seasons in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions before returning to the CFL.

"The one regret of my whole career was the NFL years," he said. "I would do it again no doubt about it.

"But I do feel that those were prime playing years when I felt the best physically and I had never wanted to leave but fate had that happen."

Dickenson returned to the CFL in 2003 and joined the B.C. Lions, winning the Grey Cup again in 2006 when he was named the game MVP.

He retires holding CFL records for highest single-season completion rate, highest quarterback rating in a single season and all-time highest completion percentage.

Dickenson said he wants to remain close to football but hasn't made any plans for the future other than he will continue to reside in Calgary.