 Janzen with theWinnipeg Blue Bombers | |
| No. 12, 32[1] | |
|---|---|
| Position | Defensive back |
| Personal information | |
| Born | (1940-06-07)June 7, 1940 Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada |
| Died | July 20, 2022(2022-07-20) (aged 82) Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada |
| Listed height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Listed weight | 185 lb (84 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Glenlawn Collegiate |
| CJFL | Weston Wildcats |
| Career history | |
| 1959–1965 | Winnipeg Blue Bombers |
| Awards and highlights | |
| |
Henry F. Janzen (June 7, 1940 – July 20, 2022) was a Canadian professionalfootballdefensive back andkick returner who played in theCanadian Football League (CFL) for theWinnipeg Blue Bombers from 1959 to 1965.
A native of Winnipeg, Janzen joined his hometown Blue Bombers in 1959 and, with a league-leading 499 punt return yards, was winner of theDr. Beattie Martin Trophy for Canadian rookie of the year in the west. He ended up playing seven seasons, recording 15interceptions in his career and being named a West All-Star in 1965 after posting seven interceptions. He helped the Blue Bombers win threeGrey Cup championships in his career.
Janzen later became coach of theUniversity of Manitoba football team, leading the Bisons to back-to-backVanier Cup championships in 1969 and 1970, the first time this was ever accomplished.
Janzen was born on June 7, 1940, inWinnipeg, Manitoba.[1] He attendedGlenlawn Collegiate and played junior football for theWeston Wildcats.[1][2]
At the age of 19, Janzen joined the localWinnipeg Blue Bombers in theCanadian Football League (CFL), skipping college.[1][2] He was the team's toppunt returner that year, and with 499 return yards in 16 games, was awarded theDr. Beattie Martin Trophy for best rookie in theWestern Interprovincial Football Union (WIFU).[1][3] He helped Winnipeg advance to the47th Grey Cup game, where they won 21–7 over theHamilton Tiger-Cats.[4][5]
In 1960, Janzen played in 12 games and helped the Blue Bombers compile a league-best 14–2 record.[6] He continued as starting punt returner, and made 52 returns for 274 yards, a 5.3 average per-return.[1] He also saw time on offense, and recorded 12 rush attempts for 79 yards and six receptions for 82 yards, scoring onetouchdown.[1]
Janzen helped the Blue Bombers advance to anotherGrey Cup in 1961, where they won 21–14 over the Tiger-Cats in overtime.[7] He led the team in punt return yardage that year, gaining 394 yards on 54 attempts, for an average of 7.3 yards.[7] He caught two passes on offense for 37 yards and also gained 13 yards rushing in the season.[7]
The Blue Bombers made it to a second consecutive Grey Cup championship in 1962, and won it 28–27 over the Tiger-Cats.[8] Janzen appeared in all 16 games that season and scored a career-high three touchdowns.[1] On defense, he made his first fourinterceptions, returning them for 73 yards, including one for a touchdown.[1]
Janzen ended up playing three more seasons for the Blue Bombers, retiring in 1966 to accept a position in the athletic department at theUniversity of Manitoba.[9] In his final season, 1965, he intercepted seven passes and was named a West All-Star.[10] He finished his CFL career with 103 games played, 28 rushes for 153 yards, 19 receptions for 294 yards, 15 interceptions, 282 punt returns for 1755 yards and six total touchdowns.[1] He was a part of three Grey Cup championships with Winnipeg.[2]
Janzen later became the head coach for theManitoba Bisons football team, and led them to back-to-backVanier Cup championships in 1969 and 1970, which was the first time a team had won two straight Canadian university championships.[2][11]
Janzen later earned hisdoctorate and became the Dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management at the University of Manitoba. He was an instrumental figure in the establishment of the Health, Leisure and Human Performance Research Institute and helped establish the School of Physical Education as a Faculty.[12]
Janzen chaired and was a founding board member of the Manitoba Institute of Trade and Technology, and was the chair of the National Advisory Council Fitness and Amateur Sport for ten years. He also gave service toUnited Way, the Provincial Council on Youth Crime,St. Boniface Hospital, Manitoba Boxing Commission, andCHUM Radio.[12]
Janzen received numerous honors and accolades, among these theQueen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, honorary citizen of Winnipeg, Order of the Buffalo Hunt-Achievement Award, Builder Award for Outstanding Dedication and Promotion of Physical Education for the Youth of Manitoba, honorary membership in the Manitoba Teacher's Society, and induction to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Hall of Fame in 1989.[10][12]
Janzen died on July 20, 2022, in Winnipeg, at the age of 82.[12]
