Dick Thornton (Canadian football) facts for kids
| Born: | November 1, 1939 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
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| Died: | December 19, 2014 (aged 75) Manila, Philippines |
| Career information | |
| CFL status | International |
| Position(s) | DB/WR |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | 185 lb (84 kg) |
| College | Northwestern |
| AFL draft | 1961 / Round: 21 / Pick: 165 |
| Drafted by | Dallas Texans |
| NFL draft | 1961 / Round: 6 / Pick: 83 |
| Drafted by | St. Louis Cardinals |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1961–1966 | Winnipeg Blue Bombers |
| 1967–1972 | Toronto Argonauts |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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| CFL All-Star | 1963, 1965, 1971 |
| CFL East All-Star | 1969, 1971 |
| CFL West All-Star | 1962, 1963, 1965 |
| Career stats | |
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Richard Quincy "Tricky Dick" Thornton (born November 1, 1939 – died December 19, 2014) was a talented American gridiron football player. He was also a coach. He played professionally in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was a defensive back and wide receiver. He played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Toronto Argonauts. His career lasted from 1961 to 1972.
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Early Football Days
Dick Thornton went to Northwestern University for college. He was a star quarterback there. After college, he was chosen by the Cleveland Browns in the 1961 NFL Draft. But he decided to play football in Canada instead. In Canada, he became famous as a defensive back.
Playing for Winnipeg
Thornton became a key player for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He played for them from 1961 to 1966. He was great as both a defensive back and a wide receiver. Sometimes, he even filled in as quarterback when the main one was hurt.
Winning Grey Cups
Dick Thornton helped the Blue Bombers win two Grey Cup championships. The Grey Cup is like the Super Bowl of Canadian football.
- In 1961, they won the 49th Grey Cup. This game went into overtime!
- In 1962, they won the 50th Grey Cup. This game was famous for being played in very thick fog. Both wins were against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Even though he was injured in 1961 and couldn't play in the final game, he was a big part of the team. In 1962, he was a strong cornerback. He caught 4 passes from the other team and even ran one back for a touchdown! He also recovered two fumbles and blocked a kick.
Later Years in Winnipeg
In 1963, Thornton had an amazing season. He intercepted 6 passes, and 3 of them he ran back for touchdowns! He also scored a touchdown by returning a fumbled ball. He missed most of the 1964 season due to an injury. But he came back strong in 1965. That year, his team made it to the 53rd Grey Cup. This game was called the "Wind Bowl" because it was so windy. Sadly, Winnipeg lost to Hamilton this time. After the 1966 season, Dick moved to a new team.
Playing for Toronto
In 1967, Dick Thornton was traded to the Toronto Argonauts. He played with them until 1972. He was known as one of the best defensive backs of his time. In 1969, he intercepted 7 passes from his cornerback position.
Grey Cup Challenge
He was chosen as a CFL All-Star in 1971. That year, he played in the 59th Grey Cup game. It was a very rainy game. He made an exciting play, intercepting a pass and running it back 54 yards. But the Argonauts still lost a close game to the Calgary Stampeders, 14–11.
Later Career and Life
Dick Thornton finished his playing career with the Memphis Southmen in the World Football League (WFL). After playing, he became an athletic director and head football coach at Southwestern at Memphis (now called Rhodes College) in 1976. He coached there until 1978.
Dick Thornton moved to the Philippines with his family in 1994. He passed away in Manila in 2014.
Hall of Fame
Dick Thornton was honored after his death. On June 21, 2022, it was announced that he would be a member of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. This is a very special award for football players in Canada.
