Al Phaneuf
Al Phaneuf (born February 4, 1944) is a former defensive back in the Canadian Football League.
| Born: | February 4, 1944 Almonte, Ontario |
|---|---|
| Career information | |
| Status | Retired |
| CFL status | National |
| Position(s) | DB |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Weight | 191 lb (87 kg) |
| College | Kentucky |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1969–1971 | Montreal Alouettes |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| CFL All-Star | 1970 |
| CFL East All-Star | 1970 |
| Awards | 1970 – CFL's (East) Most Outstanding Canadian Award 1969 – Gruen Trophy – Outstanding Eastern Rookie |
College
Al Phaneuf played college football at the University of Kentucky. During his second year at Kentucky, Phaneuf "became a Christian."[1] After graduating there, he attended Florida Bible College.[1]
Montreal Alouettes
Al Phaneuf played defensive back for 3 years with the Montreal Alouettes from 1969 to 1971, not missing a game, for a total of 42 games.[2] Phaneuf's best year was 1970, when he intercepted 9 passes and was a CFL all-star. He was also and runner up for the CFL's Most Outstanding Canadian Award. That year, he played an important role in the Lark's Grey Cup victory by a score of 23-10 over the Calgary Stampeders by intercepting 2 passes.
In his rookie season, Phaneuf intercepted 4 passes and in his final one 3 more.[3]
Activities outside football
In October 1971, Phaneuf founded a Christian-based Youth Ranch for high school students on Montreal's West Island.[1][4] On July 1972, Phaneuf surprised the Canadian football world by announcing his retirement after only three years of play without any injury, to devote more time to the Youth Ranch.[1]
References
- Bob Morrissey (July 14, 1972). "Als' Phaneuf quits football for youth work". The Montreal Gazette. p. 19.
- "All-Time CFL Player Roster". CFLapedia.
- Ann Weldon (May 1, 1971). "Grid Star Carries Gospel To Youth". The Evening Independent.
- Alan Fryer (May 22, 1975). "Youth Ranch honours high school graduate Ranchers". The South Shore News.