Photos of Normie Kwong, supplied. For David Staples feature to run.
The Edmonton Eskimos mourn the passing of former Lt.-Gov. and running back Norman “Normie” Kwong, who passed away Saturday, September 3, at the age of 86.
Kwong spent 10 years with the Green and Gold from 1951 to 1960. The Calgary native began his career with the Stampeders in 1948 before he was acquired by the Eskimos.
In 183 career regular-season games, he ran 9,022 yards for an average of 5.2 yards per carry and scored 83 total touchdowns during an 11-year career of recorded statistics (CFL rushing yardage was not kept in the West Division prior to 1950).
He won the Grey Cup four times with seven appearances, once in 1948 with the Stampeders and then three in a row with the Green and Gold (1954, 1955, 1956).
Kwong was a four-time Western Conference All-Star, (1951, 1953, 1955, 1956) and a three-time winner of the Eddie James Memorial Trophy, leading the West in rushing (1951, 1955, 1956). He was the CFL’s Most Outstanding Canadian in 1955 and 1956. Also in 1955, was named the Canadian athlete of the year.
Kwong held the CFL record for most rushing yards in a single season by a Canadian with 1,437 in 1956 in 15 games. The record held for 56 years and it is still an Esks team record. He also holds the Eskimos record for most rushing touchdowns in a career with 72. Kwong added 75 receptions for 903 yards and four touchdowns during his impressive career.
He was inducted into the CFL Hall of Fame in 1969, the Canada Sports Hall of Fame in 1975, the Eskimos Wall of Honour in 1983 and the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 1987.
After football, Kwong transitioned into politics. He was made a member of the Order of Canada in 1988 and served as the national chairman of the Canadian Consultative Council on Multiculturalism. He was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta on Jan. 20, 2005 and served out his term until May 11, 2010.
The Edmonton Eskimos extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and all affected by the loss.