Al Phaneuf

Al Phaneuf (born February 4, 1944) is a former defensive back in the Canadian Football League.

Al Phaneuf
Born: (1944-02-04) February 4, 1944
Almonte, Ontario
Career information
StatusRetired
CFL statusNational
Position(s)DB
Height6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight191 lb (87 kg)
CollegeKentucky
Career history
As player
1969–1971Montreal Alouettes
Career highlights and awards
CFL All-Star1970
CFL East All-Star1970
Awards1970 – 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
  1. Bob Morrissey (July 14, 1972). "Als' Phaneuf quits football for youth work". The Montreal Gazette. p. 19.
  2. "All-Time CFL Player Roster". CFLapedia.
  3. Ann Weldon (May 1, 1971). "Grid Star Carries Gospel To Youth". The Evening Independent.
  4. Alan Fryer (May 22, 1975). "Youth Ranch honours high school graduate Ranchers". The South Shore News.
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