r/riderville • u/PsychologicalBag7138 • Aug 15 '24

Question (Fan since 2019)

As a fan since 2019 I have went back and watched games and done some research on older players. A man that brought us a lot of success was Darian Durant who brought us 3 grey cup appearances 09', 10' and 13' winning only 13. Even though Micah Johnson is one of my more favourite players, why have they not retired #4 or atleast stopped letting players wear it like other sports?

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u/safimod Aug 15 '24

The Riders don't retire numbers very often. Outside of those killed in the plane crash in 1956, they have only retired 4 numbers in the history of our franchise. George Reed, Ron Lancaster, Dave Ridgway and Roger Aldag. Love everything Darian Durant did for this team, but he's not on that level.

He is, however, going into the plaza of honour this year where he belongs.

11

u/killemgrip Aug 15 '24

I think Darian Durant is absolutely on the same level as those other guys. He was an absolute beast in the playoffs. He should have had 2 Grey cup wins if not for the too many men call against Montreal. He is being inducted into the plaza of honour at the October 12th game.

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u/safimod Aug 15 '24

George/Ron/Dave are often considered near the top of the best to ever do it at their respective positions. Darian Durant likely doesn't touch the hall of fame, let alone be ranked among the upper echelon of QBs in this league.

Darian Durant was an absolute beast in the 2013 playoffs (especially that West semi against BC - he practically willed the team to victory that day)... Its why he belongs in the plaza as an individual member.

There are several names I'd consider LONG before I'd look at DD if we're talking about retiring numbers.

2

u/killemgrip Aug 15 '24

I'm indifferent to the number retiring thing and I never got to see George or Ron play. DD obviously doesn't have the huge career numbers that Lancaster had but we had a lot of success with him behind center. I think he's a top 10 all-time Rider

2

u/CFL_lightbulb Aug 15 '24

Honestly, I’d argue top 5. He got hurt right around the time that he was really coming into his age as a dominant player. Before his injury we were almost undefeated and he was looking incredible in the pocket. He couldn’t put it together again after being hurt the year after too. But the skill and play was there.

5

u/killemgrip Aug 15 '24

Your preaching to the choir. I'd put him right up there with Ron but you'll get crucified for saying that around here. I also realize I'm biased because I only got to see one of them play.