Place of birth Germany Position(s) HB/DB Weight 207 lb (94 kg) | Date of death 1993 Height 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) Died 1993 | |
Date of birth (1948-04-14)April 14, 1948 College Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles football | ||
Harry Abofs (April 14, 1948 – 1993) was a Canadian football running back, defensive back, and return specialist for multiple Canadian Football League teams in the early 1970s. He played high school football at Downsview High School in Toronto. After playing college football for Tennessee Tech, Abofs went on to play for the Toronto Argonauts, the Edmonton Eskimos, the BC Lions, and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Abofs found some success as a running back in his rookie year, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. Abofs is best known for his role in the 59th Grey Cup. In the fourth quarter of the game, the Toronto Argonauts were losing 11–14. Abofs received a punt from the Calgary Stampeders, giving the Argonauts a chance to tie or win the game. While attempting to preserve time on the game clock, Abofs kicked the ball out of bounds. According to CFL rules, players on the return team may not intentionally use their lower body to force the ball out of bounds. Due to this little-known rule, Abofs' kick resulted in the Stampeders gaining immediate possession of the ball and ultimately winning their first Grey Cup since 1948. The final score was 14–11.
Following his performance at the Grey Cup, Abofs was given little playing time in Toronto. In 1972, he was released to make room for Dave Cranmer from the injured reserve. He was later converted to a defensive back by the Edmonton Eskimos. After catching three interceptions with the Eskimos in 1973, he continued in this role until his retirement from the CFL.
Abofs committed suicide in 1993.