Montreal Alouettes running back, 1977 Grey Cup champion John O’Leary dead at 72

Former Montreal Alouettes running back John O’Leary passed away on September 6 at the age of 72, according to multiple reports.

A star ball-carrier for the University of Nebraska, O’Leary was selected in the 12th round of the 1976 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, but would head to Canada the following season and joined the Alouettes. He would go on to play three seasons for the team, contributing to a Grey Cup victory in 1977.

In 47 career CFL games, the six-foot-one, 210-pound back carried the ball 477 times for 2,123 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also caught 96 passes for 1,217 yards and seven majors.

O’Leary retired following the 1979 season and returned to Nebraska, where he became a gaming supplies salesman. He is survived by his wife, Peggy; their children, Shannon, Tara and T.J.; his brother, Timmy; his sister, Lisa; his grandchildren and extended family.