The Edmonton Elks just added new names to the Wall of Honour for the first time since the 2019 season.
Three icons of the team’s dynasty from the late-1970s and early-1980s — Jim Germany, Ed Jones, and Joe Hollimon — were honoured at Commonwealth Stadium during Edmonton’s game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday.
The induction was long overdue for all three men as they were pillars on a team that won a record five-straight Grey Cups. Assuming the Elks continue to add players each year moving forward, here are a few more names who deserve the honour.
QB Michael Reilly (2013-18)
There shouldn’t even be a debate as to whether or not Reilly deserves to be on the Wall of Honour — it’s only a matter of how soon his name will be inducted.
In his six seasons in green and gold, Reilly led the CFL in passing yards three times, was named the league’s Most Outstanding Player in 2017, and led Edmonton to a Grey Cup title in 2015, the team’s first in a decade. He sits top-three in team history in completions, passing yards, and touchdown passes.
When Edmonton was trying to find its next franchise quarterback, Reilly stepped up when the team was in need in 2013 and endeared himself to the fanbase as one of the most consistent and toughest signal-callers the franchise has ever had.
DL Jed Roberts (1990-2002)
Jed Roberts is one of the more visible members of the Elks alumni group — it’s hard to go to a game without running into him or hearing his voice in one of the Elks promotional videos. He also had a playing career that deserves the franchise’s highest distinction.
One of the pillars of Edmonton’s special teams units and a member of the 1993 Grey Cup team, Roberts left his mark on the franchise as one of the best Canadian-born special teams players to ever play.
In his 13-year career in an Edmonton uniform, he holds the team record for special team tackles with 163 and sits fourth all-time in CFL history in that category. Roberts also holds the single-game records for special team tackles in both the regular season and playoffs.
REC Ed Hervey (1999-2006)
When you needed a big catch, No. 81 was one of the most reliable options ever to wear the green and gold.
Hervey was a two-time Grey Cup champion who was twice named a West Division all-star. He recorded two seasons of over 1,000 receiving yards, peaking in 2001 when he had 77 receptions for 1,447 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Off the field, his work should also be honoured as the general manager that saw Edmonton improve from 4-14 in 2013 to having three-straight seasons of 10 -plus wins, along with a Grey Cup victory over the Ottawa Redblacks.
QB Damon Allen (1985-88, 1993-94)
Yes — it’s 2022 and Damon Allen is not on the Wall of Honour at Commonwealth Stadium. The sooner that is corrected, the better.
In his six seasons with the franchise, Allen won two Grey Cups, was named Grey Cup MVP twice, and threw for 76 touchdowns. He still sits third all-time in rushing yards among Edmonton quarterbacks and top-ten in passing yards.
Allen received almost every accolade there is over his 23-year CFL career. Having a night to honour his days at Commonwealth Stadium and a plaque permanently placed inside the stadium to commemorate it is something that needs to happen sooner than later.
REC Fred Stamps (2006-14)
Stamps retired as a member of the Edmonton Football in 2019 when he signed a one-day contract, but now it’s time for one of the franchise’s biggest star receivers to have one more honour.
In his eight seasons with Edmonton, Stamps had five-straight seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards and 49 touchdown receptions. He currently sits third all-time in franchise history in receptions and was named a West Division all-star for five consecutive years from 2009-13.
He may have finishes his career with the Montreal Alouettes, but Stamps became synonymous with Edmonton football and remains an icon worth celebrating.
