'There's a lot of uncertainty': Roughrider Shea Emry retires due to multiple concussions

Roughrider Shea Emry is retiring from the CFL after multiple concussions. It's a decision he had been pondering for years.

"The first time it popped into my head was in 2011," he told CBC. "When I got my concussion this past season, I was still trying to battle backand seeing if I could get back onto the field. And I just had to make a decision for my own personal health to move forward."

The desire to be around for his family was a big factor in the decision. He has a 16-month-old son and another daughter on the way. Emry said he wanted to be "aware and cognisant into their later years."

The uncertainty doesn't get any easier but for the most part I've had great support in making this decisionand I'm just excited about what life is like after football.- Shea Emry

After signing with the Riders as a prize free agent last season, Emry was injured in the first game and didn't play another.

Many athletes downplay the risk of concussions and don't give up their sport. Emry said that might be due to the love of the game, but he pushed himself to put his health first.

"I love the game and regardless of what sport it isthere's an identity associated with that as well, and maybe potentially not knowing what life will be like after the game might be taken away," he said.

"You knowthere's a lot of uncertainty. And you know being in an uncertain position is very difficult for men who are very hesitant to be vulnerable, and for me I've been practicing that for years. The uncertainty doesn't get any easier but for the most part I've had great support in making this decision and I'm just excited about what life is like after football."

Emry said there will always be mixed reactions to the decision toretire, butthe team has been very supportive.

While he is unsure what the future holds, Emry said hewill continue to build Wellmen,an outdoor adventure club for men he founded. He will alsodo his advocacy work for mental health.

"I'm just embracing energetically anything that comes my way, and looking forward to doing so."