Arguably one of the most exciting players to ever don a Blue Bomber uniform, running back Charles Roberts is set to be inducted into the Blue Bomber Hall of Fame on Wednesday, September 18th, along with past President George Graham and media friend Ralph Warrington during the Football Club’s annual Legacy Dinner.
“What an incredible evening this is shaping up to be as we get set to honour three very worthy men and induct them into our Hall of Fame,” said Winnipeg Football Club President and CEO, Garth Buchko. “All three of these men made many contributions to our organization, whether it be on the field or off, and we look forward to honouring their past accomplishments.”
Charles Roberts began his CFL career with Winnipeg in 2001 and almost immediately began dazzling fans with his speed and uncanny ability to make big plays. He was a seven-time Divisional All-Star, a six-time CFL All-Star and was named the East Division’s Most Outstanding Player in 2006, the East Division’s Most Outstanding Rookie in 2001 as well as the CFL’s Most Outstanding Special Teams Player in 2001. Roberts led the league in rushing three times (2003, 2005, 2006) and is the franchise’s leading rusher with 9,987 yards and 64 rushing touchdowns. He also sits in second place on the team’s combined yardage list with 17,528 yards and his 79 total touchdowns is second behind only Milt Stegall. Roberts ran for 10,285 career rushing yards which currently ranks in fifth place in CFL history.
George Graham became a Director of the Winnipeg Football Club in 1977 before joining the Executive Committee in 1980 and then taking over as President from 1982 in a position he remained in for two years. He oversaw the change in leadership on the football side when the team hired in Paul Robson to serve as General Manager and Cal Murphy as Head Coach as well as the decision to trade quarterback Dieter Brock to Hamilton in exchange for Tom Clements. Graham was very involved in promoting and developing the Blue and Gold Room at Winnipeg Stadium which provided a relaxed environment for directors and their families, management, coaches, media personnel and corporate sponsors. His leadership was instrumental in laying the framework for the Blue Bombers’ 1984 Grey Cup Championship, ending their 22-year drought.
Ralph Warrington spent 25 years with CJOB, first as General Sales Manager before becoming President and General Manager in 1990. He was very active behind the scenes in promoting the Blue Bombers in whatever way he could, and repeatedly offered financial assistance to the Football Club in a time when the organization faced difficult times. Warrington’s support helped keep the Club from falling into potential bankruptcy and without his tremendous support, the Winnipeg Football Club would have had to deal with more than one monetary crisis in the 1990’s.
The three honourees will be inducted during the Football Club’s Legacy Dinner at Canad Inns Polo Park on Wednesday, September 18th. For tickets to this special evening, contact the Blue Bombers at 204.784.2583.
