Ex-Gopher QB Chris Streveler leaving CFL as a 'legend' to pursue NFL dream

Chris Streveler came to the Gophers football program in 2013 as a dual-threat quarterback, spending three years here and rising as high as No. 2 on the depth chart. But in 2016, after earning a degree in three years, he transferred to South Dakota with two years of eligibility left.

If you lost track of his career at that point, you are forgiven. But it's been quite a ride for him since then.

Streveler threw for more than 6,000 yards over two seasons with South Dakota, earning a shot in the CFL with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2018. In two seasons there, sometimes as a starter, Streveler has amassed nearly 2,700 passing yards and more than 1,000 rushing yards. He helped key the Blue Bombers' run to the Grey Cup title in November, then cemented his legendary status in Winnipeg by wearing a fur coat and large gold chain at the celebration.

And on Monday, Winnipeg announced it is releasing Streveler — not for poor performance, but so he can take a shot at carving out an NFL career.

The Bombers said in a tweet: "A legend was born in Winnipeg. We wish @cstrevy all the best in his future endeavours," adding a 45-second video clip of pure happiness.

Streveler tweeted: "So thankful for these past 2 years. Winnipeg will always be a special place to me. I love all my teammates and appreciate all your support. We'll still always be Grey Cup champs!"

We'll see how far he makes it. As CBC notes: Not long after his cigar-and-beer celebrations, it was reported that Streveler had garnered interest from the NFL and had scheduled workouts with the Arizona Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Dolphins.