The Edmonton Eskimos are enshrining Ricky Ray.
At halftime of the Esks September 20 game against Hamilton, Ray will be celebrated by the club and have his name put on the franchise’s Wall of Honour.
“The history of the Edmonton Eskimos organization is filled with so many great players, teams, and achievements. To be a small part of that history has been one of the greatest honours in my life,” Ray said in a statement.
“I tried to prepare and play my best to live up to the expectations and demands of playing for such a great franchise, city and Eskimo fans. To be asked to go on the Wall of Honour is one of the proudest moments of my career. I will always be grateful for what Edmonton has given to my family and me.”
Ray played nine seasons with the Eskimos between 2002-2012 and the final seven as an Argo. He is one of only four quarterbacks in CFL history to throw for over 60,000 yards while leaving the three-down game as the Eskimos and Argos all-time passing leader – Edmonton (40,531 yards) and Toronto (20,205 yards). Ray ranks number one in league history with a completion percentage of 68.2.
Former teammate and current Eskimos head coach Jason Maas delivered the news to Ray. The two spent four seasons together in Edmonton (2002-2005).
“Being asked to make the call on behalf of the Edmonton Eskimos organization was a great honour and privilege. It meant the world to me to be to be the one to make the call,” Maas said in a statment. “He was a great teammate of mine and is one of my dearest friends. I got choked up about making the call. He is so well-deserving of the Wall of Honour.”
The most impressive mark Ray holds: the individual record for Grey Cup wins as a starting quarterback with four, including two with the Eskimos (2003, 2005) and Argos (2012, 2017). The 2005 Grey Cup MVP has thrown the most touchdowns in the CFL title game with nine majors.
Ray retired in May and left the game in an unassuming way.
