WINNIPEG — He joined the Blue Bombers at only 17 years old and nearly 65 years later the team is again honouring Gerry James.
The running back and kicker signed with the Blue and Gold in 1952. He helped win four Grey Cups in 1958, 1959, 1961 and 1962.
James is going to be added to the Bombers’ Ring of Honour during Thursday’s game. He has already been inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame, the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and the Winnipeg Football Club Hall of Fame.
“It’s a great honour in the fact that I’ve been away from the game for so long,” said James in a release from the Bombers.”To be thought of for this new Ring of Honour so early in its inception is just a wonderful feeling, knowing that people feel I made some sort of a small impact on the football club.”
On top of playing for the Bombers, James also suited up for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is one of only a few people to play both pro-football and pro-hockey.
Every game this season a different player will be added to the Ring of Honour, which are names on large signs around the concourse of Investors Group Field. So far Chris Walby and Ken Ploen have received the honour.