February 22, 2011

Edmonton Eskimos
ESKS.com Staff

(Edmonton) The Edmonton Eskimos have released import quarterback Jason Maas, the club announced today.

"As an organization, Jason departs with our profound gratitude and respect,” says Eskimo General Manager Eric Tillman.  “From his toughness to his absolute dedication, Jason has been the epitome of a pro.  We were hoping that he would retire as an Eskimo, but the competitive fires are still burning strongly within, and Jason wants to continue playing this game he loves so much, if possible."    


An eleven-year CFL veteran, Maas spent nine seasons in Green and Gold as both starting and backup quarterback.   The University of Oregon product compiled several accolades with the Eskimos, including being named a CFL West All-Star in 2001 and Edmonton’s nominee for the CFL Outstanding Player Award in 2001 and 2004. On October 24, 2004, Maas joined Hall of Famer Warren Moon as the second Eskimo quarterback to pass for over 5,000 yards in a season. He finished the ’04 campaign with career best numbers: 361 completions on 549 attempts (65.8%), 5,270 yards and 31 touchdowns, 79 carries for 252 yards rushing and 8 TDs.

Maas Career Highlights * West Division All-Star – 2001 * Eskimo Outstanding Player nominee – 2001, 2004 * CFL Record for consecutive completions (22) - 2004 * Became 2nd Eskimo QB to pass for over 5,000 yards in a season - 2004

One of Maas’ most memorable moments happened in 2005 where he played a pivotal role in Edmonton’s remarkable playoff run to their 13th Grey Cup championship. In both the West Semi-Final and Final games, Maas came off the bench to ignite the offence and engineer game-winning drives. 

Tillman goes on to say, "Days like this with special players are always bittersweet.  Men who have given so much, deserve to be remembered for their best moments.  Jason had many ranging from his all-star year in 2001, to the Grey Cup championship in 2005.  While Jason may not be retiring in green and gold, there should be no doubt about the incredible bond he has with this club and community.  For those reasons, and many more, Jason Maas will always be a member of the Eskimo family."

Following the 2005 Grey Cup victory, Maas was traded to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He was traded to Montreal in September 2007 and dressed for nine games and the East Semi-Final and was released following the season.  He returned to Edmonton in 2008 and dressed as a backup quarterback for all 18 games, the East Semi-Final and East Final. In 2009 he was again the back-up QB for all 18 games and the West Semi-Final.


JASON MAAS
QB
(Import)
Oregon
Born: November 19, 1975 – Beaver Dam, WI
Height: 6’2    Weight: 225
Yrs Esks: 9      
Yrs CFL: 11    
Games Played
2010: 18
CFL Career: 198
Playoff: 11
Grey Cup: 3 (2005, 2003, 2002 w/Edmonton)