George Reed, legendary Saskatchewan Roughriders running back, dead at 83

George Reed, the tight end who was one of the most dominant rushers in CFL history, has died.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders, with whom Reed spent his entire CFL career, confirmed Reed died on Sunday, one day before his 84th birthday.

The six-foot, 205-pound Reed played with the Riders from 1963 to 1975. Upon retirement, Reed was the league’s all-time leader in rushing yards (16,116) and rushing TDs (134) when he left the game before practice. camp in 1976

Reed’s no. 34 is one of only eight numbers ever retired by the Riders.

“Remarkably, George played 13 years in the Canadian Football League, an eternity in professional football, particularly as a running back,” CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie said in a statement. “Notably, he played all 203 games for one team, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, earning the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player award in 1965.

“But what really speaks to the greatness of George Reid is that he continued to hold on to so many of us long after he stopped playing the game he loved. decade after decade, and even generation after generation. It had such tremendous power because it had so much more to do with George Reid the person than George Reid the football player.

“His humility, kindness and commitment to the community, the generosity with which he always responded to both people and causes, drew many of us to him over the years, including thousands who were born long after he stopped scoring. hit We will always respect him. place in Canadian soccer history. But George Reed’s place in our hearts is one we will continue to cherish.”

Mike Pringle (16,425 yards) has since surpassed Reed as the CFL’s career rushing leader, but Reed remains second overall. Reed’s career rushing TD record still stands.

Reed led the CFL in rushing from 1965 to 1969 and again in 1974. In all, he rushed for 1,000 or more yards 11 times during his illustrious CFL career.

“My father was honored to be a part of the Saskatchewan community and to call it home for many years,” Reid’s daughter Georgette said in a statement. “Sixty years ago, he received an offer to move to Regina to play for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and accepting that offer changed our lives for the better.

Riders president/CEO Craig Reynolds called Reed “a giant in life.”

“George Reid was a giant in life, not only for the Roughriders, but in the Saskatchewan community and the entire CFL,” Reynolds said. “His strength and tenacity on the field was matched only by his compassion and commitment.

“George made our state and the CFL a better place and I know I speak for all of Rider Nation when I say he will be deeply missed. It was an honor to have him in our lives.”

Added Jeremy O’Day, Raiders Vice President of Football Operations. “George Rieders had a legend in him, an example and example of what it means to be a true professional. Being able to spend time with George throughout my time in Saskatchewan has been a blessing and a great source of inspiration for me as well as our staff, players and coaches. There will never be another 34.”

1966 Gray Cup MVP

Reed, a native of Vicksburg, Miss., was named CFL Player of the Year in 1965 after rushing for a career-high 1,768 yards (6.5-yard average) with 12 TDs.

Reid was the 1966 Gray Cup MVP as Saskatchewan defeated the Ottawa Rough Riders 16-6 for its first-ever CFL title, rushing for 133 yards and a touchdown. In 1976, Reed was named the inaugural winner of the Tom Pate Memorial Award for Outstanding Community Service.

The honor, given by the CFL Players Association, is named after Pate, an American rookie for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, who was seriously injured in a 1975 game against the Calgary Stampeders. 23-year-old Pate never regained consciousness and died three days later.

WATCH |: Reed is considering joining the Roughriders.

since 2010. George Reed is considering joining the Roughriders.

George Reed, from 2010, talking about arriving in Saskatchewan to join the Roughriders.

CFLPA President

In 1972, while still an active player, Reed became the fourth president of the CFL Players Association. It’s a position he would hold until 1981, nearly six years after his retirement. Reed was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1979.

He was also enshrined in the Saskatchewan Hall of Fame in 1979, the Washington State Hall of Fame in 1983, the Canadian Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Plaza of Honor in 1987.

Reid returned to the top of the Union for a second time (1986-93).

“Along with his impact on the field, George was one of the greatest people to ever grace this league,” the BC Lions tweeted. “His influence will not be forgotten.

“Our thoughts are with his daughter Georgette and their entire family.”

Reid played collegiately with the Washington State Cougars (1959-62), where he was teammates with receiver Hugh Campbell, a future Canadian Football Hall of Famer. The two will play together in the CFL with Saskatchewan.

In 2006, Reed was ranked No. 2 in the CFL’s Top-50 Players in a poll conducted by TSN.

Furthermore, Georgette Reid represented Canada in the women’s shot put at the 1992 Summer Olympics.

Reed’s image was also used on presentation posters and other materials to promote the pageant and other centenary-related celebrations.

In 2017, the Roughriders erected a statue of Reed and teammate Ron Lancaster, the longtime Raiders quarterback. In November 2019, a section of the road along the north end of Mosaic Stadium, the “Bikers’ Home Field”, was renamed “George Reed Way”. The stadium’s official address has been changed to 1734 George Reed Way.

Reid was also one of the first-ever celebrity ambassadors for Special Olympics Canada.