DIPIETRO, EZERINS NAMED CFL ALUMNI OF THE YEAR
The Canadian Football League Alumni Association (CFLAA) is proud to announce that Hamilton Tiger-Cat alumni members Leo Ezerins and Rocky DiPietro have been named co-winners of the CFL 2023 Alumnus of the Year Award presented by Zanchin Automotive Group. Teammates in 1986 when the Tiger-Cats won the Grey Cup championship, it is only fitting these two stars represent Hamilton at the 110th Grey Cup.
The CFLAA will present this prestigious award to these two outstanding Tiger-Cat alumni members during the 2023 Grey Cup Festival at the popular CFL Alumni Association Legends Luncheon presented by CARSTAR. Tickets are available at www.greycupfestival.ca/tickets
“Congratulations to Leo and Rocky for receiving the prestigious CFL 2023 Alumnus of the Year Award presented by Zanchin Automotive Group. It’s an honour to be chosen by your peers, and each of these gentlemen are very much deserving. They are a clear representation of what the award stands for”. Zanchin Automotive Group
During their playing careers, both Ezerins and DiPietro were heroes on and off the field. Since their retirement, both have made notable contributions to the growth of the CFL and the Hamilton community.
Leo Ezerins
Leo Ezerins’ accomplishments both on and off the football field, are well documented.
Ezerins played ten seasons in the CFL for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and was a 1986 Grey Cup-winning team leader. Ezerins, a graduate of Whitworth College (Hugh Campbell head coach), was a territorial protection of Winnipeg in 1978.
The former Eastern all-star played in 173 career CFL games, registering 13 sacks and 25 interceptions. He’s still ranked first all-time in interceptions by a Canadian linebacker. Ezerins also made 23 receptions as a tight end.
After retiring, Ezerins founded the CFL Alumni Association in 2008, with its board creating the CFL Alumni Support Fund to help former players experiencing financial limitations because of medical or other challenges, and the highly popular CFLAA Legends Luncheon during Grey Cup.
Ezerins, an Inductee of Mike Ditka’s Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame, is also active on the Canadian Concussion Centre advisory board and the Canadian Sports Concussion Research Project.
Rocky DiPietro
Rocky DiPietro enjoyed a fantastic 14-year career in the CFL with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats—the native of Sault Ste. Marie and, former University of Ottawa Gee Gee, had 706 career receptions for 9,762 yards and 45 touchdowns. DiPietro also surpassed the 1,000-yard mark three times.
DiPietro retired in 1991 after starring in four Grey Cup games and hoisting the Grey Cup in victory in 1986. He was named to the Tiger-Cats Wall of Honour in 1994 and inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1997. DiPietro was also a four-time Eastern all-star and selected All-Canadian twice.
DiPietro was named the CFL Outstanding player twice for his on-field efforts, and was a three-time recipient of the Lew Hayman trophy.
DiPietro became a high school learning strategies and special education teacher after his career. As coach of the Lakeshore Catholic High School football team in Port Colborne, Ontario, DiPietro led them to numerous championships.
For event information and tickets to the CFL Alumni Association Legends Luncheon presented by CARSTAR, please visit www.greycupfestival.ca/tickets
The Canadian Football League Alumni Association (CFLAA) believes the cornerstone of any football career is the memories and on-field friendships that were created. The CFLAA is the link to renewing that special bond with between teammates and those they played against.
During Grey Cup week, CFL alumni and fans from coast to coast will come together to recognize the achievements and to celebrate the overall success of Leo Ezerins and Rocky DiPietro.
(CFLAA Communications)
