Photo courtesy of the Winnipeg Free Press.
During February and Black History Month we salute some of the black players who have played significant roles in the Blue Bombers long history.
Today: Ed Ulmer – punter/defensive back from 1965-71
Ed Ulmer played his college ball at Ohio State and first arrived in Canada with the Ottawa Rough Riders in 1963 before being traded to Winnipeg in 1965. Ulmer proved to be a versatile addition as he starred as a defensive back – being named to the CFL All-Star Team in 1966 – while also handling the club’s punting chores.
He arrived at the end of the Glory Days with the Blue Bombers, missing out on the four Grey Cup championships over a span from 1958-62, but did play in the ’65 title game. The club struggled in the late 60s and early 70s, but Ulmer was a constant, as he finished with 25 interceptions in his career, a total which upon his retirement was third most in franchise history and still ranks eighth. He was also the club’s leading punter until the arrival of Bob Cameron.
Ulmer opted to remain in Winnipeg after his playing days and worked at the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission for years while being active in the community and with the Blue Bombers Alumni Association before his passing in 2000.
He was inducted into the Winnipeg Football Club Hall of Fame in 1993.
