1967 Retirements

1967 Retirements

HC Emil Riddle - Pittsburgh, PA
Teams/Positions: HC Worcester Athletics (1954-1958), HC Louisville Thunder (1959-1966)
McCallister Cups: 1 (1962)
Awards: 3 Coach of the Year (1954, 1956, 1962)
Record: 82-67-1
It was not a great ending to a fantastic career that Emil Riddle had, but following the 1-11 season, he has decided to step down and call it a career. Riddle’s career started with the Pittsburgh Hammers of the ACFL where he worked his way up to the head coaching role. However, due to some rough seasons in Pittsburgh and disagreements with management, he decided to look for a new opportunity. He would land in Worcester and make an immediate impact taking home Coach of the Year in his first season. He would win Coach of the Year again in 1956 leading the Athletics to a 9-1 record and their long McCallister Cup appearance in the NAAF. After issues arose with the management in Worcester, which included the team trading QB Riley Kiernan and drafting QB Gene Bishop, Riddle left the team and took a job with the Thunder. He quickly made the Thunder into contenders in the West Division. In 1962, he would finally get over the hump and win the McCallister Cup which also went along with his 3rd Coach of the Year. Following the win, he continued to keep the team in contention despite injuries and other issues. In 1965, he would make a run to the final once again but fell short of winning it again. 1966 ended up being his worst season as a coach and knew he was past his best by date. Riddle is one of the best coaches the league has seen. Players loved playing for him, simply because he made them better, he took the time to help everyone on the team. It was too bad he didn’t find more success.

LB Rusty McVee - Brampton, ON - Creator: Thehealthiestscratch
Drafted: 1953 MTL - Round 1, Pick 4
Teams: Montreal Rouge (1953-1956), Long Island Raiders (1957-1960), Providence (1961-1963), Toronto Steelheads (1964-1966)
McCallister Cups: 2 (1953, 1958)
Awards: Rookie of the Year (1953), McCallister Cup MVP (1958), Playoff MVP (1958)
All-Stars: 7 (1954, 1957-1962)
Player of the Week: 8
McVee entered the NAAF with a bang. The hard-hitting Linebacker became an immediate force of terror on the field. So much so that he took home the Rookie of the Year award in his first season, on top of helping the Rouge to their second McCallister Cup. He remained a force throughout the next 3 years, however, the Rouge fell into a rebuild and the LB decided he was done. He would get traded to the Raiders where he continued his reign of terror. He would be the centrepiece of the Raiders’ 3-headed monster of a LB core with Elijah Goldwater and Gene Bensen. He would help Long Island get their first McCallister Cup in 1958, taking home the Playoff MVP and McCallister Cup MVP awards. He continued to dominate with the Raiders, however, the team had to let him go due to the introduction of the Salary Cap. McVee signed with the Gold Stars and helped them reach the playoffs in 3 straight seasons, but did fall just short of the McCallister Cup, losing in the game in 1963. He ended up leaving the Gold Stars after the Cup appearance to return to his home area to play for the Steelheads and got the team to the playoffs in all 3 seasons. McVee finally decided to end his career, which may come as a sigh of relief for many players who feared his hits, a sure sign of respect…I hope. An impressive stat for McVee is wherever McVee went, he also managed to make them into playoff contenders, in his 14 seasons he saw the playoffs in 12 of them.

DL Vernon Spears - New York City, NY - Creator: Captain Mort 3D
Drafted: 1954 LI - Round 1, Pick 1
Teams: Long Island Hawks/Raiders (1954-1966)
McCallister Cups: 2 (1958, 1965)
Captaincy: LI - C (1957-1966)
All-Stars: 7 (1957-1963)
Player of the Week: 4
After being selected with the first overall selection in the 1954 draft, DL Vernon Spears had the tough task of replacing the recently traded DL Sean Bowen. It would be hard to do considering the Hawks were heading into a heavy rebuild. However, he very quickly started to get the team moving forward. In just his second season, he would help the Raiders reach the McCallister Cup. He continued to grow and get comfortable in the defence and the team. Many teammates began to highly respect Spears. This is why he was named the team’s first captain in 1957. From there, he played a vital role in the Raiders' success in the late ’50s. He was able to reign in LB Rusty McVee and get the Raiders their first cup in 1958 and then helped with 2 more West Division titles in the following seasons. Unfortunately, the Raiders could not capitalize on another cup win and had to go into another rebuild. However, with Spears leading the way on defence, it did not take long for the team to find their groove again and went to back-to-back McCallister Cups in 1964 and 1965. They took home the ‘65 title, and go Spears to stay on for one last season. After falling short, the league’s longest-serving captain has finally decided to call it a career. 

DL Olympus Heights - Oshawa, ON - Creator: Thehealthiestscratch
Drafted: 1955 ON - Round 1, Pick 5
Teams: Ontario/London Tigers (1955-1966)
McCallister Cups: 2 (1960, 1963)
All-Stars: 5 (1958-1961, 1963)
Player of the Week: 5
Heights was selected 5th overall in the 1955 draft after the Ontario Tigers traded back from the 3rd spot. They had their eye on the smart and ever-improving D-lineman. It took him a bit of time to truly kick into gear, but by 1958, Heights was becoming a regular all-star. His favourite place to be in the game was in the backfield, stopping running backs in their tracks and giving QB’s a good reminder to throw the ball. During the Tigers’ run of 3 straight McCallister Cup appearances, Heights was a part of one of the more frustrating D-lines in the league that featured, Dee Floyd, William Collins, and a young Richard Blunt. He certainly was important to the Tigers’ success including 2 Cup wins in 1960 and 1963. His friendly, fun-loving personality tied really well to his leadership on the line, keeping everyone focused but having a good time. Heights retires not really knowing what he will do, but it’s very likely we see him either as a coach or in the press box in the future.

RB Clifford Russell - New York City, NY - Creator: GoRedSox96
Drafted: 1956 ON - Round 1, Pick 3
Teams: Ontario/London Tigers (1956-1966)
Captaincy: LDN - A (1961-1965)
McCallister Cups: 2 (1960, 1963)
All-Stars: 1 (1962)
Player of the Week: 6
Despite being taken with the 3rd overall selection in the 1956 draft, Russell was not the first RB picked. The top RB was Scott Mallard-White, who went to Montreal with the first pick. Russell was not expected to be quite as good as Mallard-White out of the gate, however, he stole the show during the first season, winning the rookie of the year award in 1956. Russell’s explosive running ability made London’s offence significantly better almost immediately. Every play started to feel like Russell could break off for 20+ yards. Russell would consistently put up around 15 touchdowns a season over the Tigers’ 3 year run of McCallister Cup appearances, being a key piece behind QB Riley Kiernan. Russell was important for the Tigers not only on the field but off as well. He was a pure leader that every player looked up to, which is why he served as the teams’ alternative captain between 1961 and 1965. Even outside of the team he was a role model with his consistent work on civil rights and fighting for equality, and initiative that the London Tigers and the NAAF have been in full support of. Russell spent his entire career with the Tigers, winning 2 McCallister Cups. Unfortunately, his career has been cut short, as he suffered several injuries over his last few seasons which hindered his running ability significantly. Russell plans on continuing his fight for rights off the field but has been open to the possibility of returning to football down the line.

OL Sal Valcano - Fort Drum, NY - Creator: Darknes
Drafted: 1955 BOS - Round 2, Pick 15
Teams: Boston Independents (1955-1966)
McCallister Cups: 1 (1961)
All-Stars: 4 (1958, 1960-1962)
Valcano was drafted by the Boston Independents, 15th overall in 1955. He was one of the first pieces Boston grabbed to try and kickstart their rebuild. Valcano was not expected to be super talented, but just be a solid piece on the line, but he managed to exceed that. His army background and discipline tied heavily into his ability to get better every day. He became a staple on the line for many years. He earned 4 All-Star nods during the late-50’s and early 60s, during the height of Boston’s most recent success under QB Nathaniel Braddock. He spent his entire 12-year career with the Independents, which did earn him a championship in 1961. He will retire with plans to return home and continue to train and potentially get back to serving.

LB Daniel Carpenter - Toronto, ON - Creator: Wallflower
Drafted: OFU
Teams: Toronto Steelheads (1964-1966)
Captaincy: TOR - A (1964-1966)
McCallister Cups: 0
All-Stars: 2 (1964-1965)
Carpenter’s time in the NAAF was quite short overall, but he made his mark. Carpenter came over with the Ontario Football Union when it merged with the NAAF. He quickly signed on to remain in Toronto, where he had been terrorizing the OFU. He is the all-time tackle leader for the Lakers, and well the Steelheads now as well. Carpenter was pretty much the LB Scotty Williams of the OFU with his dominant play down the middle. In his time in the NAAF, Carpenter helped the Steelheads reach the playoffs in all 3 seasons he played. His leadership both on and off the field was super important to the success, especially when dealing with characters such as Rusty McVee. Carpenter will not be the greatest NAAF players ever, but his contributions to Toronto sports and football as a whole is certainly worth mentioning.

DB Lou Lake - Hoboken, NJ - Creator: Dan O’Mac
Drafted: 1955 BUF - Round 1, Pick 6
Teams: Buffalo Blue Wings (1955-1964), Indiana Victors (1965), Buffalo Blue Wings (1965)
McCallister Cups: 3 (1957, 1964, 1966)
All-Stars: 1 (1957)
Player of the Week: 2
The Blue Wings took a shot at a young Lou Lake with the 6th overall selection in the 1955 draft. The guy they got was one with great instincts and he was able to make waves fairly early in his career, getting his one all-star appearance in 1957 during Buffalo’s 2nd championship season. Lake continued to lead by example in the Blue Wings’ secondary completing 10 seasons with the Blue Wings and becoming a fan favourite. After getting his second ring with Buffalo in 1964, Lake was a casualty of some roster retooling in Buffalo and was sent to Indiana. He played a single season in Indiana as a veteran leader with a smaller role. After the year, he stated that unless he was able to play one last season in Buffalo, he would just call it a career. His wish was granted and he signed with Buffalo and played an important role in relief for injuries en route to a 3rd championship win in his final season.

LB Gene Bensen - Springfield, MA - Creator: Captain Mort 3D
Drafted: 1955 LI - Round 2, Pick 13
Teams: Long Island Raiders (1955-1966)
McCallister Cups: 2 (1958, 1965)
All-Stars: 1 (1962)
Player of the Week: 1
Bensen started his career after being drafted 13th overall in the 1955 draft. He stepped into the rebuilding Raiders team and got a little lost in the waves originally. His shy and antisocial personality caused him to become a little lost, but DL Vernon Spears helped get him up to speed and by 1958 was a key member of the Raiders 3-headed monster. He continued to roll, getting more comfortable with the team and earned an All-Star nod in 1962. However, his career fell off near the end with injuries affecting his ability to be in the lineup. Bensen had another injury this season which pretty much ended his career with the team and he decided that it would be the end come the offseason. He retires as a 2-time champion and a still well-liked member of the Raiders’ history.

DB Ricardo Salvador - Jamaica Plain, MA - Creator: Darknes
Drafted: 1955 PRO - Round 3, Pick 18
Teams: R.Providence Gold Stars (1955-1956), Ontario/London Tigers (1956-1966)
McCallister Cups: 2 (1960, 1963)
All-Stars: 1 (1958)
Player of the Week: 1
The Providence Gold Stars took a chance on a young DB in the 3rd round of the 1955 draft, however, he was certainly a long shot to make it to the roster from the start. After spending the first year and a half on the reserve list, the Gold Stars traded the young player to the Tigers to acquire the famed RB Laurent Brazeau. Salvador immediately jumped into the Tigers lineup and showed what he was made of. While there were mistakes he showed that his instincts served him well and he was able to make plays. The Tigers felt they had a future star on their hands. They were right as Salvador blossomed into their #1 DB for a few seasons which earned him an All-Star nod. He continued to roll, helping the Tigers reach the McCallister Cup 4 times and winning twice. Salvador was a loud and proud member of the Tigers who always seemed to have fun. Though he is still humble and certainly felt that his speed was not where it used to be this season as he was getting beat a little more easily. Thus, he decided to call it a career. 

QB Christian Stewart - Kitchener, ON - Creator: No Name
Drafted: 1952 - TOR.T - Round 2, Pick 10
Teams: Toronto/Ontario/London Tigers (1952-1960), Louisville Thunder (1961), Providence Gold Stars (1962-1963), Toronto Steelheads (1964-1966)
Captaincy: ON/LDN - A (1957-1958)
McCallister Cups: 1 (1960)
Player of the Week: 2
Stewart was the second QB ever taken in a NAAF draft following only QB Riley Kiernan. However, he did not get to be the starter out of the gate as the Tigers had acquired QB Duane Logan earlier in the draft. Stewart would spend his first 4 seasons backing up Logan before he was given the starting job for the 1956 season. While the season got off to a tough start, he managed to help turn the team around in the second half to make the playoffs for the first time in the team’s history. The next season, he hoped to be even better, however, he struggled a bit more in his second season as a starter and the Tigers missed the playoffs after a solid start. In 1958, the Tigers acquired Riley Kiernan from the Athletics, but Stewart remained the starter going into the season. Unfortunately for Stewart, he suffered a major injury in the first game of the season which allowed Kiernan to take over and not look back. Stewart remained with the Tigers despite not being the starter. In 1960, Stewart stepped up after Kiernan was hurt in the final game of the season. Stewart would lead the Tigers to back-to-back playoff wins, including an OT thriller with the Raiders, to get the team back to the McCallister Cup. Kiernan returned for the championship and secured the team’s first championship. After that season, Stewart was given the chance to explore other options. He would be sent to the Thunder for a season, before going to Providence for two. He never got a starting opportunity and eventually returned to Toronto, where his career started and played 3 years for the Steelheads before calling it a career. Stewart will be remembered for probably the best backup performance in the playoffs as many Tigers’ fans will remember his importance to their first championship. 

QB Rigobert St-Hilaire - Montreal, QC - Creator: ZO82
Drafted: 1953 - Round 3, Pick 20
Teams: R.Montreal Rouge (1953-1954), Montreal Rouge (1955-1956), Long Island Raiders (1957-1959), Providence Gold Stars (1960-1961), London Tigers (1962-1964), Montreal Rouge (1965), Louisville Thunder (1966)
McCallister Cups: 2 (1958, 1963)
St-Hilaire was not looked at as a great QB option when he was drafted in 1953, but the Rouge liked the local talent and took a chance. It took a bit of time for St-Hilaire to break into the active roster, but he eventually was there in 1955. That season, he saw the field quite a bit with starting QB Lee Rogers struggling throughout the season. The same story in 1956, as he replaced veteran Bruce Woodard halfway through. Unfortunately, Montreal was not keen on him being a long-term option so they traded him to Long Island along with LB Rusty McVee. St-Hilaire backed up QB Lyle Painter for a few seasons in Long Island, being brought in for trick plays with RB Armando Amaro, who also had previous QB experience and would throw it to St-Hilaire. He eventually went to Providence where he came in for an injured Connor O’Rourke for a few games. He would spend 3 seasons in London where he didn’t see the field but got an opportunity when he returned to Montreal due to a Gene Bishop injury at the end of the 1965 season. This past year, he got another chance in Louisville with QB Leonidas Dumont hurt. He had his worse performance and was even replaced by the 3rd string QB Nikolas Diakos. His running ability that made him more of a threat was no longer there and he struggled because of it. He retires being a consistent backup around the league.

QB Caldwell Higgins III - London, ON - Creator: Darknes
Drafted: 1954 - Round 2, Pick 13
Teams: R.Boston Independents (1954-1955), Boston Independents (1956-1957), Indiana Victors (1958-1960), Worcester/The Athletics/Halifax Mariners (1961-1963), London Tigers (1964-1965), Buffalo Blue Wings (1966)
McCallister Cups: 1 (1966)
Higgins III was drafted in 1954 to be the successor to QB Larry Larson who was in his final season. However, Higgins did need some time to develop, so he remained on the reserve list until the 1956 season. He would start the seasons as the backup but took over for Brian Meadows mid-season. He performed well enough to be the starting QB going into the 1957 season. The season started well, but after a few losses in a row, Higgins was pulled for QB Bart Swayze. Swayze led the team to the playoffs, but crumbled in their game against the Raiders and Higgins took over for the second half. Boston was not satisfied with their QBs and after drafting Nathaniel Braddock, they sent Higgins to Indiana, where he once again got put in mid-season for Duane Logan and played well. He earned the starting job the next season but was pulled midway through after struggling. After 3 years in Indy, Higgins landed in Worcester. He once again took over the starting job mid-season in his first season. He would be the starter for the infamous The Athletics, though splitting time with Michael Benedict and Buck Murphy. In the team’s first season in Halifax, Higgins had his best career season, helping the Mariners stay in the hunt throughout the season, though they inevitably missed the playoffs. Halifax did decide to go younger so Higgins would sign with his hometown club in London, where he never saw much of the field. He was about to retire last season, but Buffalo called and he would be the 3rd string on a championship squad. An up and down career still ends on a high with a big championship win.

Other notable Retirements
TE Paul McDowell - Cliffside Park, NJ - Creator: Cardiac Cardinal - Drafted: 1955 - ON R4: P27
Teams: R.ON (1955), ON/LDN (1956-1963)*, OTT (1963-1964), TOR (1965-1966)
TE Micheal Bowman III - Albany, NY - Creator: MyTeamIsDr.Pepper - Drafted: 1955 - PRO R2: P10
Teams: PRO (1955-1965), LDN (1965), LI (1966)
DL Chester Avery - Oakville, ON - Creator: Wallflower - Drafted: OFU
Teams: TOR (1964-1966)
S Daniel Perry - Kitchener, ON - Creator: Wallflower - Drafted: OFU
Teams: TOR (1964-1966)
DB Jared Francis - Sudbury, ON - Creator: Cardiac Cardinal - Drafted: 1955 - BUF R3: P19
Teams: R.BUF (1955-1956), BUF (1957-1960), PRO (1961), LI (1962), MTL (1962-1964), LOU (1965-1966)
WR Daniel Irons - Rochester, NY - Creator: Darknes - Drafted: 1956 - BUF R2: P14
Teams: R.BUF (1956), BUF (1957-1966)
RB Don Gregson - Uxbridge, MA - Creator: TigersFan93 - Drafted: 1956 - BOS R4: P26
Teams: R.BOS (1956-1957), LDN (1958-1960), IND (1961-1963), OTT (1964-1965), HFX (1965-1966)
OL Alen Williams - Toronto, ON - Wallflower - Drafted: OFU
Teams: BUF (1964-1966)
DB Bob Ellis - Toronto, ON - GoRedSox96 - Drafted: 1956 - ON R3: P19
Teams: R.ON (1956), ON/LDN (1957-1966)
DL Troy Hunt - Williamsport, PA - Creator: Captain Mort 3D - Drafted: 1956 - OTT R1: P8
Teams: R.OTT (1956), OTT (1957-1963), LOU (1964-1965), MTL (1966)