Gary Brandt, a 2002 inductee into the SaskTel Plaza of Honour, died on Monday in Hampstead, N.C. He was 80.
Brandt, who was born in Moose Jaw and grew up in Regina, spent his entire, 11-year Canadian Football League career with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
After appearing in 11 games as a rookie in 1967, Brandt played in all 16 contests in each of his final 10 seasons.
Along the way, he helped the Green and White earn Grey Cup berths in 1967, 1969, 1972 and 1976.
In 1975, Brandt was named the Roughriders’ Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman.
That was quite a feat when you consider that the 1975 Roughriders’ other four starting offensive linemen (Jack Abendschan, Larry Bird, Clyde Brock and Ralph Galloway) are in the Plaza of Honour. As well, Abendschan and Brock are in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
Brandt and Bird entered the Plaza together on Oct. 4, 2002.
“It’s quite an honour,” Brandt told the Regina Leader-Post as the enshrinement loomed. “The George Reeds and Ron Lancasters of this world get the recognition but, for people like Larry and myself, it’s nice.
“Offensive linemen don’t normally get a lot of recognition. That’s the way you’re brought up in football. If you’re one of the offensive linemen, you’re one of the pawns.
“To have people remember you … I guess that’s the best part. The Saskatchewan Roughriders fans, so many years later, still remember Gary Brandt and Larry Bird. That’s really nice.”
Brandt starred as a high school player at Balfour before attending the University of Washington and playing NCAA football for the Huskies. His signing was announced by the Roughriders on April 22, 1967.
He proceeded to help the Roughriders reach the Western Conference final for 10 consecutive seasons.
“He was not real big, but he was smart, strong, tenacious and a team player,” said former Roughriders President-CEO Jim Hopson, a member of the team’s offensive line from 1973 to 1976.
“He could play all the O-line positions and he had great one-liners. He was a mainstay for many years.”
Brandt is survived by his wife of 55 years (Joan), three children (Chris, Stephanie and Amy) and three grandchildren (Charles, Caitlyn and Blake).
