Two-time CFL all-star running back Alvin ‘Skip’ Walker has passed away at the age of 67.
The native of Houston, Texas was a star at Texas A&M and was selected in the eleventh round of the 1976 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers. He signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 1980 but was traded to the Montreal Alouettes with whom he played two seasons, recording 131 carries for 746 yards and nine touchdowns.
The Redblacks are saddened to learn of the passing of Ottawa Rough Riders’ alumnus Alvin “Skip” Walker. Skip played from ’82-’84 with 2 CFL All-Star appearances and setting the all-time single season rushing record. Our condolences go out to his friends, family, and fans.
Walker was traded to the Ottawa Rough Riders ahead of the 1982 season and had a breakout year, rushing 210 times for 1,141 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also caught 28 passes for 536 yards and five touchdowns and was named a CFL all-star for the first time.
The five-foot-nine, 195-pound ball carrier set a new team record with 1,431 rushing yards in 1983 and was named a CFL all-star for a second consecutive year. His single-season club rushing record stood until 1991 when Reggie Barnes rushed for 1,486 yards. It’s worth noting that the CFL moved to an 18-game season in 1986, giving Barnes two more games to set his record than Walker had.
Walker played one final season with the Rough Riders in 1984 and carried the ball 69 times for 256 yards and one touchdown. He retired from professional football in 1985 after spending time with the Green Bay Packers in training camp.
