Eagle Day
No. 10, 19 | |
Washington Redskins | |
1961–1966 | Calgary Stampeders |
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1967 | Toronto Argonauts |
Career highlights and awards | |
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CFL All-Star | 1962 |
CFL West All-Star | 1962 |
Career stats | |
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Herman Sidney "Eagle" Day (October 2, 1932 – February 22, 2008) was an American
College career
Day was a two-time All-Southeastern Conference quarterback for the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) Rebels, leading Ole Miss to SEC titles in 1954 and 1955 with a combination of running and passing skills.
Day led Ole Miss to a 26–5–1 record in three seasons while playing for coach Johnny Vaught. He was the MVP of the 1956 Cotton Bowl Classic after leading Ole Miss to a 14–13 upset victory over Texas Christian in the Rebels first major bowl game. After a late-game 25-yard scramble during the 1956 Cotton Bowl Classic game against Texas Christian University, he was given the nickname "The Mississippi Gambler". Day completed 111 of 233 passes for 2,022 yards and 14 touchdowns during his Ole Miss career. Not counting bowl statistics, he had 2,428 yards of total offense and was responsible for 21 touchdowns. His first pass in college (vs. Chattanooga) in 1953 was a 63-yard touchdown.
As a pitcher, Day was with the Rebels baseball team in 1956 when it went to the College World Series.[1]
Professional career
Day played ten years in the
Although Day was
In 1961, Day left the NFL for the CFL, joining the Calgary Stampeders, with which team he remained through the 1965 season. In 1962, he was an all-star and won the Jeff Nicklin Memorial Trophy. When he left the Stampeders, he joined the Toronto Argonauts (the first of two Ole Miss stars to play quarterback for Toronto, the other being Kent Austin in 1995).
At the time of his death, Day's 226 playoff completions placed him fifth all-time, while his 3,132 playoff passing yards had him sixth for all-time.[1]
References
- ^ a b "Former CFL player Eagle Day dead at 75". Sportsnet. The Canadian Press. 15 September 2009. Retrieved 6 January 2019.