Profile | |
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Position | Defensive back |
Personal information | |
Born | Almonte, Ontario, Canada | February 4, 1944
Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
Weight | 191 lb (87 kg) |
Career information | |
College | Kentucky |
Career history | |
1969–1971 | Montreal Alouettes |
Awards and highlights | |
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Al Phaneuf (born February 4, 1944) is a former defensive back in the Canadian Football League.
Al Phaneuf played college football at the University of Kentucky. During his second year at Kentucky, Phaneuf "became a Christian." [1] After graduating there, he attended Florida Bible College. [1]
Al Phaneuf played defensive back for 3 years with the Montreal Alouettes from 1969 to 1971, not missing a game, for a total of 42 games. [2] Phaneuf's best year was 1970, when he intercepted 9 passes and was a CFL all-star. He was also and runner up for the CFL's Most Outstanding Canadian Award. That year, he played an important role in the Lark's Grey Cup victory by a score of 23-10 over the Calgary Stampeders by intercepting 2 passes.
In his rookie season, Phaneuf intercepted 4 passes and in his final one 3 more. [3]
In October 1971, Phaneuf founded a Christian-based Youth Ranch for high school students on Montreal's West Island. [1] [4] In July 1972, Phaneuf surprised the Canadian football world by announcing his retirement after only three years of play without any injury, to devote more time to the Youth Ranch. [1]