The All Time Player Ranking: Top 10 Winnipeg Blue Bombers of All-Time
The All Time Player Ranking: Top 10 Winnipeg Blue Bombers...
By Jocelyn Alano July 18, 2024 14:31
A Winnipeg Blue Bombers legend dating back to 1930, the blue and gold are represented by iconic players who epitomize tradition on football's biggest stage. Throughout one of the Canadian Football League's most prestigious and successful franchises, it has churned out an incredible list of players who have made their indelible marks on the game.
But in this extensive piece, let it serve as a detailed background into the top 10 Winnipeg Blue Bombers of all time: What made them so important during their playing days and how much cachet did they establish with regards to their influence on the organization?
1. Milt Stegall (1995-2008) - Widely regarded as the greatest receiver in Bombers history, Milt Stegall's career spanned 14 seasons and saw him rewrite the CFL record books. He holds the league records for most receiving touchdowns (147) and most 1,000-yard receiving seasons. Stegall was a dominant force, earning nine CFL All-Star selections and being named the league's Most Outstanding Player in 2002.
2. Dieter Brock (1974-1983) - One of the most prolific passers in Bombers history, Dieter Brock holds the franchise records for most passing yards (29,623) and most pass completions (2,167) in a career. Brock was a two-time CFL All-Star and led the Bombers to a Grey Cup championship in 1984. His rocket arm and pinpoint accuracy made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
3. Ken Ploen (1957-1967) - A true dual-threat quarterback, Ken Ploen excelled both as a passer and a runner. He led the Bombers to six Grey Cup championships and was named the game's MVP in 1961. Ploen's combination of athleticism, decision-making, and leadership made him a cornerstone of the Bombers' dynasty in the 1950s and 1960s.
4. Gerry James (1952-1963) - A true legend of the game, Gerry James was a dominant running back and kicker for the Bombers. He holds the franchise records for most rushing touchdowns (57) and most points scored in a season (209). James was a five-time Grey Cup champion and was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1974.
5. Leo "Lincoln Locomotive" Lewis (1955-1966) - One of the most electrifying players in Bombers history, Leo Lewis was a dynamic running back and return specialist. He holds the franchise record for most touchdowns scored (75) and was a key part of the Bombers' championship teams in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Lewis' blazing speed and elusive running style made him a fan favorite.
6. Chris Walby (1981-1998) - A dominant offensive lineman, Chris Walby was the backbone of the Bombers' offense for nearly two decades. He was named a CFL All-Star nine times and was a crucial part of the Bombers' Grey Cup-winning teams in 1984 and 1988. Walby's combination of size, strength, and technique made him one of the most formidable linemen in CFL history.
7. Milt Stegall (1995-2008) - Milt Stegall's impact on the Bombers franchise cannot be overstated. In addition to his individual accolades, he was a key part of the team's Grey Cup championship in 2007. Stegall's ability to make game-changing plays and his leadership in the locker room made him an integral part of the Bombers' success during his illustrious career.
8. Ernie Pitts (1957-1969) - A versatile player who excelled as both a receiver and a defensive back, Ernie Pitts was a true two-way threat for the Bombers. He was a six-time CFL All-Star and helped the Bombers win four Grey Cup championships. Pitts' combination of athleticism, toughness, and playmaking ability made him a fan favorite in Winnipeg.
9. Fritz Hanson (1935-1941, 1945) - One of the most electrifying players of his era, Fritz Hanson was a dynamic running back and return specialist for the Bombers. He was a key part of the team's Grey Cup championship teams in 1935, 1939, and 1941, and his speed and elusiveness made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Hanson's impact on the game is still felt today.
10. Nic Demski (2018-present) - While his career is still ongoing, Nic Demski has already cemented his place as one of the Bombers' all-time greats. A versatile playmaker who can line up at receiver, running back, and in the return game, Demski has been a vital cog in the Bombers' offense and has played a crucial role in the team's recent Grey Cup victories in 2019 and 2021. His combination of speed, agility, and football IQ make him a true threat every time he touches the ball.
These 10 players represent the pinnacle of Winnipeg Blue Bombers football, each leaving an indelible mark on the franchise and the CFL as a whole. Their stories of triumph, perseverance, and excellence serve as a testament to the rich history and enduring legacy of the Blue and Gold. As the Bombers continue to write new chapters in their storied history, these legends will forever be remembered as the cornerstones of one of the CFL's most successful and beloved franchises.
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