During Black History Month this February bluebombers.com will once again salute some of the players who have played significant roles in the Blue Bombers’ long history.
Today: James West — linebacker, 1985-92
James West was a dominant and vocal presence during his days with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and an integral part of two Grey Cup championship squads in 1988 and 1990.
He was a CFL All-Star and a team stacked with talent on the defensive side of the ball, was also named the team’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 1987. He’s also a member of both the Canadian Football and Winnipeg Football Club Halls of Fame.
Yet, all these years later it must be said that so much of his legacy with the team was also built around his immense popularity as one of the most engaging players with fans and media. West never shied away from an interview, always signed autographs and lit up every room with his wide smile and trademark laugh.
He was a hall of fame player and remains a hall of fame person.
West had already established himself as a force when he first came to the CFL with the Calgary Stampeders in 1982 and was named a CFL All-Star in 1983 before he arrived in Winnipeg following a stint with the Houston Gamblers of the USFL in September of 1985.
West earned the nickname ‘Wild West’ for his flamboyance on the field, his enthusiasm for the game and his zeal for life. Paired with Tyrone Jones, the two became inseparable and gave the Bombers swagger long before the term became trendy in Winnipeg.
In 1993 h3 was traded to B.C. and finished his CFL career with the Lions. He remains a proud member of the Blue Bombers Alumni.
Black History Month Archives: