 | This article has multiple issues. Please helpimprove it or discuss these issues on thetalk page.(Learn how and when to remove these messages) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
|
| No. 33 | |
|---|---|
| Positions | Running back •Safety •Slotback |
| Personal information | |
| Born | (1943-06-14)June 14, 1943 (age 82) Nucla, Colorado, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 215 lb (98 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Colorado |
| NFL draft | 1965: 6th round, 80th overall pick |
| AFL draft | 1965:20th round, 157th overall pick |
| Career history | |
| 1966 | BC Lions |
| 1967–1973 | Toronto Argonauts |
| Awards and highlights | |
| |
Canadian Football Hall of Fame (Class of 1997) | |
Bill Symons (born June 14, 1943) is an American former professionalfootballrunning back with theToronto Argonauts of theCanadian Football League (CFL).
Symons played for theUniversity of ColoradoBuffaloes between 1962 and 1964. He was a versatile player, running, leading the team in receptions, punt returns and kickoff returns, and doing some punting.
In1965, Symons was drafted by theNFL'sGreen Bay Packers in the 6th round (80th overall) and by theAFL'sKansas City Chiefs in the 20th round (157 overall). He attended two Green Bay training camps, and almost made the team, but an injury ledVince Lombardi to cut him.[citation needed]
TheBC Lions took a chance on Symons in1966. He only played 10 games, most at thedefensive safety position. He rushed for only 20 yards, as the Lions were not convinced his knee injury had fully healed. At the end of the seasons, the Lions were eager to get the rights to the eventual CFL great and Hall of FamerJim Young. Bill Symons was the second player in the trade that also sent all-star defensive linemanDick Fouts to theToronto Argonauts in exchange for Young, perhaps the only trade between Hall of Famers.
TheToronto Argonauts, with their new head coachLeo Cahill, were determined to turn their losing ways around, and in1967, Symons was given a chance. He did not disappoint, picking up 349 yards rushing and positioning himself as a starter.
Everything came together in1968, when Symons rushed for 1,107 yards. He was the firstBoatman, ever, to top the 1,000 yard plateau. Added to this record was hisCFL's Most Outstanding Player Award, again a first for anyDouble Blue player, and a CFL All-Star at running back. In 1969 and 1970, he shared running duties withDave Raimey, obtained that year in a trade from Winnipeg. He gained 905 yards on the ground in 1969 and 908 in 1970. In 1971, Symons shared running back duties withLeon McQuay, when Raimey was converted todefensive back. Symons unhesitatingly turned to being a great blocking back, still gaining 418 yards in the bargain. The only thing missing was a trip to theGrey Cup, something that all Argonaut fans craved (waiting since1952). In addition, Symons turned down an offer from the NFL'sDenver Broncos (in his home state) to stay in Toronto. Unfortunately, their trip to the59th Grey Cup ended in classic heartbreak, as the very same star, Leon McQuay, fumbled the ball deep inCalgary territory in the final minutes, a significant factor in the Argos loss. Being a blocking back, Symons' final two season saw reduced statistics, though he rushed for 235 yards in 1972 and 358 in 1973.
Symons called it quits after 1973 to donate more time to his successful AFA Forest Products company. Symons also has a farm inCaledon, Ontario.
For his great performances as a running back, Symons was inducted into theCanadian Football Hall of Fame in 1997. Symons was inducted into theOntario Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.[1]
