Oscar Kruger
Oskar Kruger (December 24, 1932 – July 4, 2010) was a defensive back for the Edmonton Eskimos from 1954 to 1965 of the Canadian Football League.[1]
| No. 14, 22, 94, 96 | |
| Born: | December 24, 1932 Edmonton, Alberta |
|---|---|
| Died: | July 4, 2010 (aged 77) Edmonton, Alberta |
| Career information | |
| CFL status | National |
| Position(s) | DB |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Weight | 170 lb (77 kg) |
| CJFL | Edmonton Wildcats |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1954–1965 | Edmonton Eskimos |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| CFL West All-Star | 1957, 1958, 1961, 1962 |
| Honours | 1992 - Edmonton Eskimos Wall of Honour |
Brought up in Edmonton, Kruger played for the Edmonton Wildcats in 1953 and then in 1954 for the Edmonton Eskimos. He played 12 seasons at safety and ended his career with 46 interceptions and 14 fumble recoveries.[2][3] Kruger was also a boxing champion for Alberta. While playing football, he attended the University of Alberta from which he graduated with a law degree.[3] He was a Western Conference All-Star in 1957, 1958, 1961, and 1962 and also led the league in interceptions 3 times.[4] In particular, he intercepted 7 balls each year from 1956 to 1958 and 6 balls in 1961 and 1963. He was also a punt returner, especially at the start of his career.
In 1963, Kruger was named the Eskimos’ Top Canadian before retiring in 1965.[3] His name is honoured on the Edmonton Eskimos Wall of Honour on the Commonwealth Stadium.[3][5]
After his football career, Kruger practiced law in Edmonton after obtaining his degree from the University of Alberta.
References
- Jones, Terry (October 10, 2004). "Memories of '54 remain fresh". Edmonton Sun.
- http://www.justsportsstats.com/footballstatsindex.php?player_id=krugeosc001&recsort=4
- "Edmonton Eskimos - Wall of Honour". www.esks.com. Archived from the original on 2010-10-28. Retrieved 2010-06-08.
- 1962 Post cereal football card.
- Jones, Terry (October 10, 2004). "Pless remains among best". Edmonton Sun. Retrieved 2010-06-08.