Nov 7, 2006, 17:15 GMT
Edmonton, AB - Former Edmonton Eskimo great Jackie Parker passed away at an Edmonton hospital on Tuesday. He was 74-years-old.
Parker joined the Eskimos as a player in 1954 out of Mississippi State and excelled at quarterback, halfback and defensive back with Edmonton until 1962. He then went on to play for the Toronto Argonauts (1963-65) and B.C. Lions (1966-68).
In his career, Parker passed for 16,476 yards, scored 88 touchdowns and kicked 40 field goals. He won three Grey Cups with the Eskimos, was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Player three times and was an All-Star for eight straight seasons (1954-61).
After his playing career, Parker became the Lions' assistant coach in 1968, became head coach in 1969 and was then the team's general manager in 1971. His career came full circle when he became the Eskimos' head coach in 1983, a position he held until his resignation two games into the 1987 season.
Parker was named to the CFL Hall of Fame in 1971 and joined the Edmonton Eskimo Wall of Honour in 1983.
© 2006 The Sports Network
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