Ottawa Rough Riders legend Whit Tucker dead at 83

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

Longtime Ottawa Rough Riders’ receiver Whit Tucker has passed away at the age of 83.

The six-foot, 175-pound target was selected in the second round of the 1962 CFL Draft out of Western University. He played nine seasons in Ottawa, finishing his career with 272 catches for 6,092 yards and 53 touchdowns, winning two Grey Cups and earning three East Division all-star selections. His No. 26 was retired by the team following his playing career.

“The Ottawa Redblacks and entire OSEG family are deeply saddened by the passing of Rough Riders great and Canadian Football Hall of Famer Whit Tucker,” wrote the team in a statement on social media. “We extend our most heartfelt condolences to Whit’s loved ones during this time.”

The native of Windsor, Ont. remains the CFL’s all-time leader in yards per reception at 22.4. The 174 receiving yards he recorded in the league’s 1966 championship game remain the third-most in Grey Cup history and he was the East Division’s nominee for Most Outstanding Canadian in 1968.