This is the special edition of CFL Top Fives. I am giving you the list of my favourite Canadian Football Players of all time.
This list is heavy on Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and that should be accepted because I am a huge Bomber fan, and I get that, but you’re just going to have to live with this as this is my all-time favourite players.
5. Ibrahim "Obby" Khan
This fifth spot was a really hard one for me to select. I did have another player in this spot, and to be honest, this last spot could have been filled with around fifteen other players: RB Fred Reid, Rec Terrence Edwards, Rec Arjei Franklin, Rec Romby Bryant, CB/ R Jovon Johnson, S Ian Logan, DB Kelly Malveaux, LB Joe Lobendahn, LT Glenn January, QB Buck Pierce, LB Marcellus Bowman, Rec Clarence Denmark, DB/LB/R Maurice Leggett, CB/R Kevin Fogg, S Taylor Loffler, and Rec/RB Nic Demski, but I went with a player who received little recognition throughout his career: Ibrahim “Obby” Khan. Kahn was an offensive lineman drafted by the Ottawa Renegades, who later played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Calgary Stampeders. Khan was a workhorse on the Offensive line, but rarely got credit for it. Khan is more known now for his restaurants in Winnipeg (and rightfully so as they have great shawarma). Obby Khan, Drew’s favourite offensive lineman of all-time.
4. Doug Brown
Doug Brown chucked chubbies for years in the CFL, only with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He clogged up the middle of the trenches for 11 years. This man is huge, standing 6 feet 8 inches, and 290 lbs. He was a force with which to be reckoned. Brown never won a championship, but was the 2001 CFL Most Outstanding Canadian, and was an 8-time Divisional All-star and a 7 time CFL All-star. Brown was always a fan favourite, and his jersey was the one that my late mother was buried in. Doug Brown, 97, a great number, an even better player.
3. Milt Stegall
Milt Stegall is the greatest Receiver in Canadian Football History. Anyone who tells you otherwise has not dug deep enough into the game, but that is beside the point. How could a Bomber fan not have enjoyed watching Milt Stegall? The man is a Manitoba legend. He was not able to win a Grey Cup, but the man still probably doesn’t have to pay anytime he steps into a Winnipeg eatery. The man has a street named after him in the city. Milt Stegall is singlehandedly responsible for popularizing the number 85 in Manitoba, and there is no reason that will ever change. No one has worn that number since for the club, and rightfully so.
2. Khari Jones
There is one simple reason why Khari Jones is on this list, he was the quarterback of the Blue Bombers when I was becoming aware of the game, but because of that simple fact, I was enamoured with the pivot. The oldest jersey in my collection is a custom jersey from after Khari’s tenure with the team that I had custom made to have his name on it. He had been my favourite player for a long time, but why that changed will become apparent when I explain number one on this list, but until now let me say why he was. Khari was amazing and had a special connection with Stegall when he played. Reporters would ask one how they knew what the other would do, and all they could say was that they just knew, this led them to be named, in 2006, the Greatest Quarterback-Receiver Connection in CFL History. Khari was number 17, and because of that 17 has been my favourite number.
1. Drew Wolitarsky
Drew Wolitarsky has gotten on this list for being a typical CFL player. CFL players really need to have a good presence in their community. When the woman to whom I formerly wished to be related by marriage requested for Wolitarsky to meet me for my birthday, he said yes. This was a surreal moment for myself, to be in the presence of a player I looked up at and enjoyed the night incredibly. This has sparked a connection between Wolitarsky and myself that I take much pride in having. I enjoy watching Drew play and always make a special note of where he is on the field when watching a game. My joy in this relationship has caused me to purchase a jersey. He also gave me a hat with a personal message for that first encounter. Drew Wolitarsky, great player, greater community member, my favourite player of all-time.
This is it! This completes Drew's CFL Top Fives! If you want to give Drew your top fives, he would love to hear them!
Feel Free to go back and see Drew's other Top Fives and return to hear hot takes on the world of football.
La Cheeserie, Littles
Fight On, Sleepers
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