Bill Stevenson (offensive lineman)

Bill Stevenson
No. 62
PositionsOffensive tackle, Guard
Personal information
BornJune 4, 1951
High Prairie, Alberta, Canada
DiedMarch 19, 2007(2007-03-19) (aged 55)
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Career information
CollegeDrake
NFL draft1974: 4th round, 104th overall pick
Career history
1974–1975Memphis Southmen
1975–1988Edmonton Eskimos
Awards and highlights

Bill Stevenson (June 4, 1951 – March 19, 2007) was a Canadian Football League (CFL) player with the Edmonton Eskimos. After playing college football at Drake University, he was drafted by the NFL's Miami Dolphins and played in the World Football League (WFL) with the Memphis Southmen for two seasons, followed by a 14-year CFL career with the Eskimos, the first three as a defensive lineman and the remainder as an offensive lineman. He was named CFL All-Star two times and was a part of a CFL record seven Grey Cup championship teams with the Eskimos.

After his playing career ended, Stevenson struggled in his business and personal life, suffered through bankruptcy and divorce, and was forced to take refuge in shelters for the homeless. Bill Stevenson died on March 19th, 2007 after being killed in an accident when he slipped and fell backwards down the stairs in his mother's home in Edmonton.[1] Bill Stevenson was just 55 years old.

On November 19, 2008, the CBC Television show The Fifth Estate suggested that Stevenson, who went through years of alcohol abuse and destitution, enduring the effects of years of unreported head injuries from playing professional football. Teammates York Hentschel and David Boone are believed to have had the same injuries.[2]

References

  1. ↑ Henton, Darcy (July 3, 2007). "Intercepting ex-Esks who spiral out of control]". Edmonton Journal. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  2. ↑ "Dynasty to death: CBC's Fifth Estate examines head injuries in football". CBC Sports. November 19, 2008. Retrieved November 20, 2008.


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