Toronto wide receiver Jeremaine Copeland is retiring after 11 seasons to become an assistant coach with the rival Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

The two-time CFL all-star (2003 & 2009) started with the Montreal Alouettes in 2002 before joining Calgary in 2005 and Toronto in 2010.

He also spent time in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans and Dallas Cowboys, and won an XFL championship with the Los Angeles Xtreme in 2001.

The 34-year-old Copeland, the Argos' leading receiver last season, caught 622 CFL passes for 10,037 yards.

“I would like to thank God first for blessing me with a great career and for allowing me to stay healthy and not having to miss a single season," said Copeland. "Thanks to my family for all of their support throughout my career as well. I would like to thank the CFL organizations in Montreal, Calgary, and Toronto for allowing me to play in three of the greatest cities, the greatest organizations, and the greatest groups of fans in the CFL."

The Argo co-captain leaves the game as the CFL's 15th-leading receiver all-time. He is also just the 15th player in league history to haul in passes for more than 10,000 yards in a career. He also registered five 1,000-plus yard campaigns and 75 career receiving touchdowns.

"It has been a great run and a lot of fun for me but I believe it's time to move on in my life," said Copeland. "I would like to say thanks to all of my teammates that I played with and especially the two quarterbacks I played most of my career with — AC [Montreal QB Anthony Calvillo] and Hank [Former Calgary pivot Henry Burris] — who helped make my career what it was. Last but not least, I want to thank my receiving corps, who are all great groups of guys that made it fun to play the game of football.”

With files from CBCSports.ca