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January 27, 2025

“A new chapter awaits”

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers released popular veteran receiver Drew Wolitarsky on Monday as waves from the seas of change continue to crash into the shoreline in Bomberland.

The announcement came three days after news broke that Adam Bighill would not be offered a contract for the upcoming season and with 17 players inching towards free agency — which officially opens on February 11th — there is very likely more upheaval ahead.

“These decisions are always difficult and it’s especially true with a player who has been with us for so long,” said Blue Bombers GM Kyle Walters in a press release. “Drew has been a solid contributor for the team, was popular in the locker room and was instrumental in two Grey Cup championships, and for that the franchise is forever grateful.”

Wolitarsky, who was under contract for 2025, said he was informed of the decision by head coach Mike O’Shea.

In an Instagram post from Australia, where he is on vacation with his family, Wolitarsky said:

“I had to jump on here because I had life-changing news today. I found out this morning I am being released from Winnipeg; I will no longer be playing for Winnipeg. Still just trying to wrap my mind around that, to be honest with you. I had hard time believing that, man. I’ve been so long in one place and to get that call was definitely heartbreaking for me.

“I just wanted to come on here and say that because I’m not going to be able to get to everybody that I care about that I wanted to share that news with before it publicly comes out later today.”

An intelligent player who grew to become a reliable receiver for Zach Collaros, Wolitarsky also morphed into a leader in the Blue Bombers locker room over his years. A talented musician who was well read — he and defensive back Evan Holm started a book club — Wolitarsky brought an element of empathy and heart to his every day at work.

Selected by the Blue Bombers in the 2017 CFL Supplemental Draft, Wolitarsky appeared in 89 regular-season games over seven seasons with the team, pulling in 227 receptions for 2,954 yards and 18 touchdowns. He was limited to 10 games last year, breaking his ribs in a loss to Toronto in the summer and then suffering the same injury later in the season and missing the playoffs.

During his time on the injured list he was replaced by Kevens Clercius, who dressed for all 18 games last year in his rookie season and made 12 starts and finished with 32 catches for 352 yards and one touchdown. It was likely the emergence of Clercius — the club’s first pick in last year’s draft and Wolitarsky’s junior by four years — which played a part in the decision. The Blue Bombers start two Canadians in the receiving corps along with Nic Demski and the team may now look to add an experienced vet in free agency or in the 2025 CFL Draft for more depth.

Wolitarsky, meanwhile, could draw interest from around the CFL and it’s easy to link him to the B.C. Lions where Buck Pierce and Kevin Bourgoin — the former Blue Bombers offensive coordinator and receivers coach — are now head coach and receivers coach, respectively. He turns 30 in March but did post career numbers in 2023 before last year’s injury woes, finishing with 47 catches for 668 yards and six touchdowns.

“… There’s a lot of unknowns in my life right now,” added Wolitarsky in his Instagram post. “I have no idea what’s going to happen next. I just got to Australia, got to the west coast. It’s time to relax, time to regroup and see what’s next for your boy. Love you guys, appreciate you. The journey continues. A new chapter awaits.”