Ezzrett Anderson facts for kids
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| Born: | February 10, 1920 Nashville, Arkansas, US |
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| Died: | March 8, 2017 (aged 97) Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | End, Defensive back |
| College | Kentucky State |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1947 | Los Angeles Dons |
| 1948–1954 | Calgary Stampeders |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| CFL All-Star | 1949 |
Ezzrett "Sugarfoot" Anderson (February 10, 1920 – March 8, 2017) was an amazing professional Canadian football player. He was known for his speed and skill on the field. He played for many years and became a true legend in Canadian football.
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Who Was Ezzrett "Sugarfoot" Anderson?
Ezzrett Anderson was a talented athlete who made a big impact in football. People knew him by his nickname, "Sugarfoot." This nickname stuck with him throughout his life. He was born in Nashville, Arkansas, in 1920. His father, Ezzrett Anderson Sr., was also a famous baseball player.
Early Life and Football Beginnings
Ezzrett's love for sports started when he was young. He played football in school and later at Kentucky State. While in college, he even earned a spot on an All-America football team. He also met his first wife, Virnetta, there.
In the 1940s, Ezzrett and his family moved to California. This was during World War II, and many people moved to help with the war effort. "Sug," as his friends called him, was a versatile player. He could pass, catch, and defend, making him a valuable asset to any team.
Becoming a Football Star
Ezzrett started his professional football career in 1945. He played for the Hollywood Bears for two years. After that, he joined the Los Angeles Dons in 1947. With the Dons, he caught 11 passes and scored one touchdown.
During these early years, Sugarfoot also worked in the movie industry. He appeared in over 20 films! He even had a speaking role in "The Story of Seabiscuit." This movie starred famous actors like Shirley Temple.
Playing for the Stampeders
In 1949, the Calgary Stampeders team wanted to make their team stronger. They looked for experienced players from the U.S. Even though Sugarfoot had thought about retiring, his friends convinced him to join the Stampeders. He quickly became a star in Calgary. Fans loved his talent and friendly personality.
He was an All-Star player in 1949. That year, the Stampeders played in the Grey Cup but lost to the Montreal Alouettes. Sugarfoot was one of only two American players to be an All-Pro in Canada for both offense and defense. He is also the only player in Stampeders history to wear the jersey number "00." He retired from playing football in 1955.
Life Beyond the Field
Ezzrett Anderson's life was full of interesting activities even after football. From 1950 to 1955, he had his own popular radio show. He also led a blues band called "The Bluenotes." Sugarfoot often appeared on stage and at charity events. He helped make Calgary's culture and music scene richer. In 2013, he received the "Canada's Recording Legacy Award."
Sugarfoot also went to SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology). He became a certified Heavy Duty mechanic. He even owned his own service station in downtown Calgary. Later, he worked for a group of companies for 32 years before retiring.
A Pioneer and Community Leader
Ezzrett Anderson was one of the first African-American players in Canadian professional football. He helped open doors for others. His wife, Virnetta Anderson, also made history. In 1974, she was elected to Calgary City Council. She was the first Black municipal councillor in Calgary.
Sugarfoot always stayed connected to the Stampeders. He worked as an ambassador for the team. This allowed him to collect five Grey Cup rings, which he didn't win as a player. He was a respected mentor at the stadium. He also worked hard to promote the team at events.
Legacy and Later Years
Ezzrett "Sugarfoot" Anderson was added to the Calgary Stampeders Wall of Fame in 1990. In 2010, he was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame. He loved meeting new people and sharing his unique humor. He passed away on March 8, 2017, at the age of 97. He is remembered as a beloved family leader and a legendary Calgarian.
