.jpg) Taras (right) | |
| Born: | (1966-01-31)January 31, 1966 (age 59) Acton, Ontario, Canada |
|---|---|
| Career information | |
| CFL status | National |
| Position(s) | C,G,FB |
| University | Western Ontario |
| CFL draft | 1987, round: 3, pick: 25 |
| Drafted by | BC Lions |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1987–2003 | BC Lions |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| CFL All-Star | 1995,1999 |
| CFL West All-Star | 1999,2001,2002 |
| Awards | 1999Tom Pate Memorial Award |
| Retired #s | BC Lions #60 |
Jamie Taras (born January 31, 1966) is a Canadian former professionalfootball player for theBC Lions of theCanadian Football League (CFL). He is currently the director of community relations with theBC Lions. Taras spent his entire 16-year career with the Lions as afullback andoffensive lineman, and played on twoGrey Cup championship teams with the club.[1]
Taras playedCanadian college football at theUniversity of Western Ontario. In 2003, Taras was voted a member of theB.C. Lions All-Time Dream Team as part of the club's 50th anniversary celebration.[2] Taras' number 60 jersey is one of eleven numbersretired by the B.C. Lions.[3]
From 1979 to 1983, Taras played high school football at Bishop MacDonell High School in Guelph, Ontario. From 1983 to 1986, he playedCanadian college football at theUniversity of Western Ontario.[4] Taras was anoffensive guard for theMustangs.[1]
Following his graduation from theUniversity of Western Ontario, Taras was drafted by theB.C. Lions in the third round of the1987 CFL Draft as aguard.[5] Taras initially played fullback for the Lions for four years, but achieved the greatest success of his playing career as an offensive guard, and later,center.
In1994, Taras was a part of the Lions' 11-6-1 season that culminated in aGrey Cup matchup with theBaltimore Stallions. The Lions ultimately prevailed, 26–23. The following season,1995, Taras, playing guard, was named aCFL All-Star for the first time. Taras would be named aCFL All-Star a second time, in1999, for his play at center. Taras twice won theDeMarco-Becket Memorial Trophy as theCFL Western Division's Most Outstanding Lineman, in1995 and1999. In1999, Taras was also awarded theDr. Beattie Martin Trophy as the Most Outstanding Canadian in the CFL Western Division, and theTom Pate Memorial Award, for his outstanding sportsmanship and service to the community.
In2000, Taras was a member of the Lion's fourthGrey Cup championship team. The Lions defeated theMontreal Alouettes 28–26, with Taras snapping the ball to then-Lionsquarterback,Damon Allen.
Taras retired from the Lions in2003, and was voted a member of theB.C. Lions All-Time Dream Team, at theguard position, as part of the club's 50 year anniversary celebration.[2] Taras #60 was alsoretired by the Lions, but curiously, his jersey number was worn during the2006 CFL season by then Lionstackle,Jason Jimenez.
Following his retirement in2003, Taras became the Vice-President of the Canadian Football League Players' Association. Now the Director of Community Relations with the BC Lions.
Taras currently resides inSouth Surrey, British Columbia with his wife Jennifer and their two children, Sydney and William.[1] Taras is very active in the GreaterVancouver area in community and charitable activities.[1]
Media related toJamie Taras at Wikimedia Commons