Fraser Valley (with files from Matt Baker BC Lions/Facebook/Wikipedia) – From playing high school football in Abbotsford with WJ Mouat to the CFL, Bo Lokombo loved the game and loves to give back to the community.
From the BC Lions: One of the longest-serving BC Lions has called it a career. Bo Lokombo announced his retirement after ten pro football seasons.
“I have so many people to thank, starting with the Lions organization for drafting me back in 2013, helping me be part of the organization and helping me become a man,” said Lokombo on our upcoming 1st and Now Podcast presented by World Vision Canada.
“At 34 years old, I felt it was the right time. I want to be closer to my family. The only thing I’m going to miss is competing with my brothers for a championship. I will be cheering on the guys, supporting not only the Lions but the CFL as a whole.”
Added general manager Ryan Rigmaiden: “Bo has been a Lion for nine of his ten years in pro football, starting when we drafted him back in 2013. During that time, he has had an excellent career, including winning the CFL’s Most Outstanding Canadian Award. We were proud to have him on the field and in the community for so many years and we wish him and his family the best as he moves forward with life after football.”
Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and raised in Abbotsford where he starred at W.J. Mouat Secondary, Lokombo was selected in round three (21st overall) of that 2013 CFL Draft out of the University of Oregon.
After returning to the Ducks for his final year of eligibility, Lokombo suited up with the Lions from 2014-16 and earned West Division All-Star in his second season. He then signed with the Baltimore Ravens in early 2017 and remained with the squad until late September before practice roster stints with the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders.
Lokombo returned home in 2018 and recorded new career-highs in tackles (71), sacks (4) and interceptions (2).
After joining the Montreal Alouettes for the 2019 campaign, Lokombo re-joined his original team for the final four seasons of his career. His award-winning 2021 campaign produced 66 tackles, four sacks, a career-high three interceptions and one defensive touchdown in the shortened 14-game regular season.
Across 118 total regular season games with the Lions, Lokombo climbed to 11th on the club’s all-time list with 319 defensive tackles while adding 17 sacks, eight interceptions and four forced fumbles.
The linebacker was also a staple in the club’s community initiatives, most recently as a supporter of World Vision Canada. Lokombo accompanied a group of CFL representatives on a trip to Kenya in 2024 and last season agreed to graciously donate $200 to World Vision for every sack recorded by the Lions’ defence after Labour Day. The end total was $1600.
From his personal Facebook page: Dear Fans, Coaches, Teammates, and Supporters, After much thought and reflection, I have made the decision to announce my retirement from professional football. It is a moment that brings with it a mixture of emotions: gratitude, pride, and a deep sense of fulfillment.
My journey in this game has been nothing short of incredible. Football has been my life, my passion, and my identity for as long as I can remember. From my early years at Chief Dan George Middle at 14 years old, to playing D1 at Oregon, getting drafted by my hometown, the BC Lions, and achieving the dream in playing in the NFL, it has been an honor to play this game for over a decade.
I’ve had the privilege of playing for exceptional teams, learning from world-class coaches, and sharing the field with some of the most talented and dedicated players I’ve ever known.
I want to thank God for protecting me throughout this journey and giving me the necessary skills to excel. I want to thank my family for their endless support, for believing in me and being right there beside me. Without them, none of this would have been possible. They’ve been my foundation, my rock, and I am forever grateful for their love, sacrifice, and encouragement throughout my career.
I want to thank every teammate for sharing the battlefield with me, who pushed me to be better. For the friendships and relationships created and especially the memories we shared together that will last a lifetime. Every fan who supported me along the way. Your unwavering encouragement, both in good times and in bad, has been a constant source of motivation. The love and loyalty you’ve shown me over the years have made every moment on the field meaningful, and I carry that with me as I close this chapter.
A massive thank you to the BC Lions—my hometown team—for drafting me and giving me the incredible honor of playing the game I love in front of my family and friends. The memories I’ve created with the Lions will forever hold a special place in my heart… read more.
One helluva ride #20 out.
