Chris Walby

Chris Walby (born October 23, 1956 in Winnipeg, Manitoba) is a retired Canadian Football League player who played the offensive tackle position almost exclusively with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Walby was also a sportscaster with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's CFL on CBC telecasts.

Early life and college career

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Walby played junior football before earning an athletic scholarship to play college football at Dickinson State University in North Dakota.

Professional football career

Following his collegiate career, Walby was drafted in the first round of the 1981 CFL Draft by the Montreal Alouettes. Walby played five games on the offensive line for the Larks during the 1981 CFL season, before being traded to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

For the remaining 16 years of this professional football career (1981–1996), Walby was a fixture on the Bombers' offensive line. During his career, Walby was very popular among fans and was a 9-time CFL All-Star, two time league's Most Outstanding Lineman, and three-time Grey Cup champion. He is often referred to as one of the greatest offensive linemen in the history of the CFL.

Post football career

After his football career, Walby ran for a seat in the Manitoba Legislature for the Liberal Party of Manitoba but lost. He also was involved in various business ventures such as a restaurant called Hog City Bar and Grill.

Walby was a sportscaster on the CBC's CFL on CBC television broadcasts.

Awards and honours

In 2003, Walby was elected into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame and in 2005, was chosen as one of the Blue Bombers All-Time 20 Greatest players. In November 2006, Walby was chosen 22nd amongst the CFL's 50 Greatest Players in a TSN poll.^[1] Inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in 2006.

References

External links

• CBC Profile - Chris Walby
• Chris Walby’s biography at Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and Museum
• Chris Walby Collectibles