Ken Nielsen
Inducted: 1987
Wide receiver: 1965-70
CFL All-Star: 1968, 1969
Division All-Star: 1967, 1968, 1969
CFL Most Outstanding Canadian: 1968
Dr. Beattie Martin Trophy (Most Outstanding Canadian Player, West Division): 1968
Blue Bombers Most Outstanding Player: 1967
Blue Bombers Most Outstanding Canadian Player: 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969
The Bombers were a team in decline when Ken Nielsen arrived in 1965 via a trade with Hamilton, advancing to the Grey Cup in his first season – he caught a 109-yard TD pass from Ken Ploen in the playoffs – but then going just 12-51-1 over the final four years of his days in Winnipeg. Nielsen was one of the bright lights of that era, however, being honoured as the club’s top Canadian in four consecutive seasons and winning the league’s top Canadian award in 1968. He suffered a neck injury in 1970 that forced him to retire and turn his focus to his work as a dentist.