Ted Gerela
| Born: | March 12, 1944 British Columbia Lions |
|---|---|
| Awards | 1967 - Dr. Beattie Martin Trophy 1968 - Dave Dryburgh Memorial Trophy |
Theodore Gerela (March 12, 1944 โ July 16, 2020) was an award-winning kicker in the Canadian Football League.
Life
Gerela, a graduate of
British Columbia Lions in 1967 and played with them for 7 seasons. Though he was a versatile player (rushing 16 times, catching 13 passes and making 2 interceptions, as well as punting one season), he was unique in that he was primarily a kicking specialist. Previously, most kickers played another primary position. While not accurate by later standards (he only made 123 of 271 field goal attempts), he had a strong leg and regularly made field goals of 50 plus yards.[1] He won the Dr. Beattie Martin Trophy
as best rookie in the Western Conference in 1967.
Most notably, in 1968, he hit 30 field goals, which was a record for any professional league. He also won the conference scoring title, ushering in the era of the kicking specialist. All-Star selections were not made for kickers during his career. As of 2011, his 570 points was still the 3rd highest in the Lions' history.[2]
Gerela came from a particularly gifted family. His brothers were also professional kickers;
1993 CFL Draft by the BC Lions as a linebacker from Rocky Mountain College
.
Gerala died July 16, 2020, from cancer.[3][4]
References
- ^ [1] CFLAPEDIA entry: Ted Gerela
- ^ 2010 BC Lions Media Guide
- ^ "Theodore GERELA Obituary - Chilliwack, BC".
- ^ "Former B.C. Lions kicker Ted Gerela passes away at the age of 76". Retrieved July 21, 2020.