George Reed #34

George Reed became famous as a football player and built upon that to become a success off the field and a celebrated leader of numerous charitable causes.  His football career began in junior high school in Renton, Washington and college at Washington State University.

Widely recognized as the greatest running back in the history of the Canadian Football League, his 13-season (1963-75) career with the Saskatchewan Roughriders was highlighted by being named the league’s outstanding player in 1965, leading the team to its first Grey Cup triumph in 1966, five rushing titles, 11 1,000-yard seasons, nine Canadian all-star team selections (10 Western).   He held the CFL record for career rushing yardage for 33 years and his total of 134 rushing touchdowns remains unequalled.

Schenley Award in CFL – 1965 – runner-up 68 & 69

Club 34 - 1975

Tom Pate Memorial Award - 1975

Order of Canada - 1978

Halls of Fame –Canadian Football Hall of Fame & Sask Sport Hall of Fame – 1979

Washington State University Hall of Fame – 1980

State of Washington Hall of Fame - 1983

University of Regina Honorary Doctor of Laws - 1981

Canadian Sports Hall of Fame – 1984

Distinguished Canadian Award – 2010

Renton Washington High School Hall of Fame - 2011

Grid Iron Greats Hall of Fame – May 2013

Saskatchewan Order of Merit – November 4, 2013

CFL Alumni Man of the Year - November 22, 2013

SACHM Lifetime Achievement Award – September 13, 2014

A stretch of 10th Avenue by Mosaic Stadium named George Reed Way. November 13, 2019

Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medals (Saskatchewan) – August 30, 2022

Reed further distinguished himself  in the business community as a sales representative for Molson Brewery for two decades and as the long time president of the CFL Players Association, which under his direction made enormous strides in achieving essential rights and fair working conditions for all its members.

While lauded for these efforts, Reed’s stature in Saskatchewan is most noteworthy as a spokesman and champion for charitable causes, particularly for those who are mentally and physically disabled and specifically for the assistance provided by the George Reed Foundation for the Handicapped.

His diverse contributions to the community were recognized in 1978 when he was made a Member of the Order of Canada. Born in Mississippi and raised in the state of Washington, he has worked throughout his life to contribute to his community, lending his time and efforts wherever he can to help the broadest range of society.

Saskatchewan Association of Community Living

Saskatchewan Council for Crippled Children & Adults

Head Coach Special Olympics

Saskatchewan and Canada Special Olympics

Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame President

Cystic Fibrosis

Kinsmen Garage Sale

Molson Companies Donation Fund

Molson Hole in One Program

Honorary Chair, Federal Service Division – United Way

Honorary Chairman, “Hire a Student Campaign” Canada Manpower”

Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame Board

Wascana Golf Club Board

Saskaire Fund Raising Committee

Honorary Chair Saskatchewan Easter Seals Drive

Honorary Chair Muscular Dystrophy

President, CFL Players Association

S.C.C.C.A. – Administer Molson Hole in one Program

Board of Directors Buffalo Days Committee

Saskatchewan Summer & Winter Games

Saskatchewan Senior Fitness Games Honorary Chairman

Molstar Program

Prairie Golden Canadian

Golden Marathon

George Reed Foundation

Massey School Parent-Teacher Association President

Lifetime Membership – Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum

George and Angie returned to Regina 1n 2009 from being in Calgary 25 years.  George retired as Director of Guest and Community Relations for the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation. His autobiography, written with John Chaput *George Reed: His Life and Times*, was published in 2011.  George passed away on October 1, 2023.

PLAYED and STAYED

(2023)