Class of 1982
Born October 14, 1938 Died September 18, 2008
Career Achievements
Playing Career
Ottawa 1960-1962
Saskatchewan 1963-1978
All-Western Quarterback 1966, 1968-1970, 1973, 1975-1976
All Canadian Quarterback 1970, 1973, 1975-1976
Schenly Most Outastanding Player 1970, 1976
Jeff Nicklin Memorial Trophy 1966, 1968-1970, 1976
Grey Cup participation 1960-1966-1967, 1969, 1972, 1976
Grey Cup Wins 1960-1966
The “Little General” devoted 46 years of his life to Canadian Football, including Hall of Fame stints as a player (1960-1978), television analyst (1980-1991) and Head Coach (1979-1980 and 1991-2006).
He earned his nickname, in his playing days, because he overcame a lack of physical stature (at 5’5”), due to an intense desire to succeed and prove that he was such a student of the game. He would use his analytical and physical abilities to find many ways to exploit the opposition during his long tenure as a quarterback.
His big break came when he joined Saskatchewan after beginning his career with three seasons with Ottawa. The passing statistics which he accumulated during his career speak for themselves as he ranks among the league’s all-time leaders in each major passing category.
Consider 3,384 completions out of 6,233 attempts, which went for 50,535 yards and 333 touchdowns and it’s easy to see why he ranks among the best quarterbacks in CFL History.
As a Head Coach, he added to his legacy with a 142-137-1 regular season record in stints with Saskatchewan (player coach -1979-80), Edmonton (1991-1997) and Hamilton (1998-2006). His playoff coaching record was 11-9 and included Grey Cup wins in 1993 and 1999.