BOMBERS TO UNVEIL CAL MURPHY STATUE
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will honour one of the most influential figures in the history of the organization, the late Cal Murphy, with the unveiling of a bronze statue in his likeness at Investors Group Field. The official unveiling ceremony will take place on Thursday, September 21, 2017.
Murphy, who was born in Winnipeg in 1932, spent 30-plus seasons in the CFL, winning nine Grey Cups over his career and spending 14 seasons (1983-1996) with the Blue Bombers. One of the most successful coaches in the history of the franchise (he finished second on the Blue Bombers’ all-time winningest coaches list with a record of 86-51-1), he first joined the organization as head coach in 1983. Murphy made an immediate impact and was awarded Coach of the Year honours in his first two seasons at the helm.
“The Cal Murphy statue will honour one of the most iconic and successful figures in the great history of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Canadian Football League,” said Blue Bombers President & CEO, Wade Miller. “The statue is a tribute to a man who accomplished historic milestones while leading our organization. Thank you to our donors along with Blue Bomber Alumni for their support in raising funds for the statue.”
Murphy was inducted into the Blue Bombers Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Canadian Football League Hall of Fame in 2004. The statue will be located outside Gate 3 and will be surrounded by a seating area for fans.
“Our entire family is honoured Cal is being recognized in this way,” said the Murphy family. “We wish to thank the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, past presidents, directors, and supporters for their recognition of his contributions. The Blue Bombers and the City of Winnipeg have special memories for our family and we look forward to being a part of the unveiling ceremony in September.”
The statue is being crafted by Canadian statue manufacturer MST Bronze Limited, who also completed the Bud Grant statue at Investors Group Field.
(Courtesy Darren Cameron/Blue Bombers PR)
