Eskimos To Honor SwampDog

) The Edmonton Eskimos will honour the career of Ron Estay, a six-time Grey Cup champion and one of the club’s greatest defensive players, during a special 1970’s retro game Friday, August 6th when they host the Toronto Argonauts.

Known as “Swampdog”, the Lousiana State product got his start in the CFL with BC in 1972 and was traded to Edmonton mid-way through the following season. He was instrumental in helping the Esks to an appearance in the 1973 Grey Cup against Ottawa, the first of nine Grey Cups that Estay would play in. The Raceland, LA native would become a mainstay on Edmonton’s famed “Alberta Crude” defence that was so dominant through the 1970’s and early 80’s. In 1974, Estay tied a CFL record with five sacks in a game.

Eskimo President and CEO Rick LeLacheur says, “Loved by his teammates and coaches, respected and even feared by opponents, Ron played the game with passion and left nothing on the field. His contributions to our team are impressive and this honour is richly deserved.”

On being named to the Wall of Honour, Ron Estay says, “Football has been a wonderful career for me and I cherish my time in Edmonton. This is one of the best honours I could have ever hoped to receive.”

Estay is the 26th player to have his named added to the prestigious Wall of Honour at Commonwealth Stadium. The ceremony and plaque unveiling will take place at halftime of the August 6th game when the Eskimos will wear 1975 vintage jerseys as part of the CFL’s Retro program.

Ron Estay
Born: December 22, 1948 – Raceland, LA
Louisiana State University
Playing career:
BC Lions – 1972 – ‘73
Edmonton Eskimos – 1973 – 1981
Grey Cup appearances – 1973, ’74, 75, ’77, ’78, 79, 1980, ’81, ‘82
Grey Cup victories – 1975,’’78, ’79, ’80, ’81, ‘82
All-Canadian Defensive End - 1977, 1980
All-Western Defensive End – 1973, ’77, ’78, 1980

As Rider fans know, Estay spent eight years with the Riders coaching staff before retiring in 2008.