Two football legends who were teammates for six years in the CFL will be among this year’s inductees into Mike Ditka’s Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund’s Hall of Fame.
George Reed and Hugh Campbell played together with the Saskatchewan Roughriders from 1963-67 and 1969 and made their mark not only in Western Canada but throughout the CFL.
Reed was one of the league’s premiere running backs during his 13 year career (1963-75) with the Roughriders and one of the CFL’s best of all time. The nine-time all-star owns virtually every Saskatchewan club rushing record, including most rushing yards in a career (16,116), most carries (3,243) and most rushing touchdowns in a career (134). He also holds the single season Roughriders record in the same three categories. Reed was a member of the ‘Riders 1966 Grey Cup championship team and was inducted into the CFL Hall of Fame in 1979. His familiar #34 is one of eight numbers retired by the club.
“I think it is one of those honours you never think about,” says Reed of his selection. “It also speaks very well for our league and the players in it. I am looking forward to the dinner and ceremony especially with my friend Hugh.”
Campbell, nicknamed “Gluey Huey” was equally successful as a player, as a coach and as an administrator. He won 10 Grey Cups - one as a player, five as a coach and four as an executive. He played for Saskatchewan for six seasons (1963-67 and 1969) and was twice named a CFL all-star. He is third on the all-time ‘Rider list with 60 career touchdown receptions and fourth all-time with 5,425 receiving yards. Campbell coached the Edmonton Eskimos to an unprecedented five consecutive Grey Cup victories (1978-82). He was inducted into the CFL Hall of Fame in 2000.
“I think it is a nice honour,” says Campbell. “I am extremely proud to be going in with George after playing with him for three years in College at Washington State and six years in Saskatchewan. I enjoyed all three roles that I had in the CFL and it will be fun to meet the other inductees and get to see George and his wife Angie at the dinner.”
“The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund’s Hall of Fame event started five years ago to honor retired players for their fabulous careers on the field, and the equally outstanding deeds off the field,” says Shannon Jordan, President of the Gridiron Greats. “This is a great way for us to honor deserving individuals not just because they were great players but because they have given so much back to the community”.
All profits from the event go to the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund to support former players who have fallen upon hard times. Mike Ditka, Marv Levy, Gale Sayers, Kyle Turley and Matt Birk sit on the Board of Directors for GGAF. The Fund is supported through numerous donations and fundraising activities throughout the year including special events, auctions of memorabilia, autograph events, corporate and public donation drives, sponsorships and special Super Bowl related events.
Reed and Campbell will join former Hamilton Tiger-Cat and Ottawa Rough Rider Angelo Mosca, who was the first CFL player inducted into the Hall last year.
The former Saskatchewan stars were nominated for the honour by the CFL Alumni Association Board of Directors.
The annual Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame dinner and induction will be held on May 17, 2013 in Novi, Michigan
1 comment:
Congratulations gentlemen on your recognized honoured Induction as Gridiron Greats, you are truly worthy of all accomplished on and off the field of play. ElA
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