Ken Ploen

Ken Ploen

No. 11, 89
Born:	(1935-06-03)June 3, 1935 Lost Nation, Iowa, U.S.
Died:	February 13, 2024(2024-02-13) (aged 88) Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Career information
CFL status	American
Position(s)	QB
Height	6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Weight	200 lb (91 kg)
College	Iowa
High school	Clinton (Clinton, Iowa)
NFL draft	1957, round: 19, pick: 222
Drafted by	Cleveland Browns
Career history
As player
1957–1967	Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Career highlights and awards
Second-team All-American (1956) Chicago Tribune Silver Football (1956) First-team All-Big Ten (1956)
CFL All-Star	1965
CFL West All-Star	1957, 1959, 1965
Career stats
Canadian Football Hall of Fame, 1975

Kenneth Ploen OM (June 3, 1935 – February 13, 2024) was an American professional football player who was a quarterback for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

College football

At the University of Iowa in 1956, Ploen became the Hawkeyes starting quarterback. That year, he led his team to its first Big Ten Conference title in 35 years and a victory in the 1957 Rose Bowl Game. He was named an All-American and the Big Ten player of the year. He was voted the 1957 Rose Bowl's Most Valuable Player.

Canadian Football League

Ploen was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the 19th round of the 1957 NFL Draft On June 10, 1957 it was announced that Ploen had signed a contract with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League rather than report to the Browns.

Ploen played quarterback for Winnipeg from 1957 to 1967. He also filled in at halfback and safety. Ploen led his team to six Grey Cup appearances, winning four: 1958, 1959, 1961, 1962 and losing two: 1957, 1965. In the 49th Grey Cup game (1961), he scored one of the most memorable touchdowns in professional football history, eluding numerous defenders on an eighteen-yard run into the endzone during overtime to win it (see video below). He was voted the 1961 Grey Cup Most Valuable Player, was selected as a divisional All-Star three times.

Kenny Ploen was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1975, the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in 1987, the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame in 1997, and the Iowa Sports Hall of Fame in 2002. In 2005, Ploen was named one of the Blue Bombers 20 All-Time Greats.

After football

After Ploen retired from football, he and his wife made Winnipeg their home. He worked as a sales representative and as a colour commentator for a local radio station.

In 2007, he was awarded the Order of Manitoba.

In September 2009, he was recognized by fan vote and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame, as the Most Outstanding CFL Player of the 1960s.

In June 2011, the CFL announced the west entry service road off Chancellor Matheson Road next to the new Winnipeg Blue Bombers stadium will be named Ken Ploen Way, to honour the former Blue Bombers quarterback and Canadian Football Hall of Famer. Ploen was also honoured at half-time, during the Blue Bombers’ first 2011 home preseason game, where the street sign was unveiled.

In 2012 in honour of the 100th Grey Cup, Canada Post used his image on a series of commemorative postage stamps. The image was also used on presentation posters and other materials to promote the Grey Cup game and other celebrations associated with the centennial.

Kenny Ploen died in Winnipeg on February 13, 2024, at the age of 88. He had dementia in his later years.

Video clips

Key pass in 1959 Grey Cup victory over Hamilton, 21-7 on YouTube

Running TD in 1961 Grey Cup overtime victory over Hamilton, 21-14 on YouTube

Winning quarterback in 1962 Grey Cup (Fog Bowl) victory over Hamilton, 28-27 on YouTube