Edmonton Eskimos Hall of Fame defensive back Larry Highbaugh has passed away at the age of 67. Members of the Edmonton Eskimos Alumni Association were notified Wednesday morning of his passing.
Highbaugh played 13 seasons in the Canadian Football League, including 12 with the Eskimos after starting his career with the B.C. Lions in 1971. Highbaugh won six Grey Cup championships with the Esks and was a part of the five-in-a-row teams. He is a four-time Western Division All-Star and a three-time CFL All-Star.
CFL Hall of Famer Hugh Campbell was Highbaugh’s head coach for six seasons in Edmonton, including five consecutive Grey Cup championships. Campbell, 75, was saddened to hear of Highbaugh’s death.
“It’s stunning. I picture him being still a young man. He just was so outgoing and so spirited.”
Campbell will remember Highbaugh as an exceptional football player and role model in the community.
“He’s just a real good guy and had that kind of rapport. He had no chip on his shoulder and just was just part of the community and people enjoyed kibitzing with him and talking with him. He had time for everybody.”
Highbaugh holds several Eskimos records, including most career interceptions with 66. He was inducted to the Eskimos Wall of Honour in 1996 and inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
Highbaugh was working as a high school teacher in at South Gwinnett High School in Snelville, Georgia.
With files from Jack Haskins, Global Sports.