Winnipeg Blue Bombers to induct Cal Murphy to Ring of Honour

Handout/Winnipeg Blue Bombers

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have selected Cal Murphy for induction into the Ring of Honour at Princess Auto Stadium, the team announced on Thursday.

Murphy was the club’s general manager from 1983 to 1996, during which time he also served as head coach from 1983 to 1986 and 1993 to 1996. He was twice named the CFL’s Coach of the Year and helped the Blue Bombers win three Grey Cups.

“Cal was such an important part of the Blue Bombers for his many years with the club as a coach, a GM and a steadfast voice for Canadian football,” said team president and CEO Wade Miller in a statement.

“Strong-willed and passionate in his beliefs, he had his hand on the rudder during one of the most successful eras of Blue Bombers football.

“On behalf of the Winnipeg Football Club, I’m thrilled to see his name join the other icons in franchise history in the Ring of Honour.”

Murphy won nine total Grey Cups, one of which came in Montreal (1977) and five of which came in Edmonton (1978 to 1982). A statue of him already resides outside Princess Auto Stadium.

The Winnipeg native was inducted into the Winnipeg Football Club Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2004.

Murphy passed away in 2012 at the age of 79.

“We are excited to know how complimentary people are about him and honoured they still remember him as their own Canadian and Winnipeg-born head coach and GM,” said the Murphy family. “He was both supportive and stern as well as a leader. a good husband and father and strong in his Catholic faith.”

The induction ceremony will take place during halftime when the Blue Bombers host the B.C. Lions on Thursday, July 30.

John Hodge is a longtime Canadian football reporter, insider, and podcaster for 3DownNation. Based in Winnipeg, Hodge is also a freelance television and radio broadcaster and curling reporter for Rock Channel.