Ranking The Top 5 Winnipeg Blue Bombers Players of All Time

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have been home to some of the greatest players in CFL history. After a fan vote narrowed down the top 15 to the top 5, these legends emerged as the most iconic players to ever don the blue and gold. Here’s a closer look at the top five Blue Bombers players, ranked from fifth to first.

5. Chris Walby – Offensive Lineman (#63, 1981–1996)
A hometown hero, Chris Walby is widely regarded as one of the best offensive linemen in CFL history. Spending an impressive 16 seasons with the Blue Bombers, Walby’s dominance on the field earned him nine CFL All-Star selections. He was named the league’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman twice, in 1987 and 1993, and played a pivotal role in securing three Grey Cup championships for Winnipeg. A CFL Hall of Fame inductee, Walby was also the first Blue Bomber to be honored in the team’s Ring of Honour, cementing his legacy as a cornerstone of Winnipeg’s football history.

4. Ralph (Dieter) Brock – Quarterback (#5, 1974–1983)
Dieter Brock dazzled fans with his remarkable passing skills during his 10-season tenure with the Blue Bombers. The quarterback holds several franchise records, including career passing yards (29,623), passing touchdowns (187), and completions (2,167). Known for his consistency and leadership, Brock was named CFL All-Star and won the league’s Most Outstanding Player award in both 1980 and 1981. His contributions to the game earned him a well-deserved spot in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1995, making him one of the greatest quarterbacks in Winnipeg’s history.

3. Ken Ploen – Quarterback (#11, 1957–1967)
Coming in third is Ken Ploen, a legendary quarterback who led the Blue Bombers to four Grey Cup victories during his 11-year career. Ploen’s remarkable statistics include 16,470 passing yards and 119 touchdown passes, ranking him among the franchise’s all-time leaders. While the Blue Bombers don’t officially retire jersey numbers, Ploen’s #11 is one of a select few no longer worn by players. A Canadian Football Hall of Fame inductee in 1975, Ploen’s legacy is not only defined by his on-field achievements but also by his lasting connection to Winnipeg, where he chose to settle after retirement.

2. Joe Poplawski – Slot Back (#71, 1978–1986)
Affectionately known as “Joe Pop,” Joe Poplawski is remembered as one of the most reliable and skilled receivers in Blue Bombers history. Over nine seasons, he earned five CFL All-Star selections and was a key part of Winnipeg’s 1984 Grey Cup-winning team. Poplawski’s accolades include being named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie in 1978 and winning the Most Outstanding Canadian award twice, in 1981 and 1986. With over 1,000 receiving yards in three separate seasons, including his final two, Poplawski left an indelible mark on the game before retiring at just 29 years old.

1. Milt Stegall – Slot Back (#85, 1995–2008)
Topping the list is none other than Milt Stegall, one of the most electrifying players in CFL history. During his 14-season career with the Blue Bombers, Stegall scored a record-breaking 147 touchdowns and amassed 15,153 receiving yards, ranking second all-time in CFL history. Known for his incredible athleticism and clutch performances, Stegall’s 2002 season, where he scored a league-record 23 touchdowns, stands as a testament to his dominance. A nine-time CFL All-Star, Stegall’s career was defined by unforgettable moments, including a 100-yard last-second touchdown against Edmonton in 2006. A member of both the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Canadian Football Halls of Fame, Stegall’s legacy is unmatched.

These five players exemplify the talent, dedication, and passion that have defined the Winnipeg Blue Bombers over the years. Their contributions to the team and the CFL ensure their places as legends of the game.