Saskatchewan Roughriders legend Jack Abendschan has passed away, just three days shy of his 83rd birthday. Abendschan, who spent 11 seasons with the Riders beginning in 1965, played collegiately at the University of New Mexico before heading to Saskatchewan. A six-foot-two, 245-pound offensive lineman and placekicker, Abendschan was inducted into the Riders Plaza of Honour in 1992 and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2012. He was a member of the 1966 Grey Cup-winning team, helping the Riders to a 29-14 victory over the Ottawa Rough Riders. It was the first Grey Cup victory in Saskatchewan franchise history. Abendschan kicked 159 field goals in his career and currently sits fourth in team history in most career points with 863. Dave Ridgway (2,374), Paul McCallum (1,613) and Brett Lauther (1,113) to the franchise list. When Abendschan retired, he was the franchise leader in points (863), field goals (159) and converts (312). In addition to playing in four Grey Cup games, Abendschan was a five-time CFL all-star and a seven-time West Division all-star.
