Nearly 68 years after a football was stolen in the dying minutes of the Edmonton football team’s 1956 Grey Cup victory game, it has been returned to the son of the player it was originally stolen from. Jackie Parker, a legendary player in the CFL, scored his third touchdown of the night during the game, only to have the ball swiped by a fan named Doug Bower. This led to chaos on the field, with no other balls available to continue the game, ultimately resulting in the players deciding to call the game with Edmonton winning 50-27. The whereabouts of the stolen ball remained a mystery until Doug Bower returned it to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in recent years, leading to a full-circle moment for the Parker family.
The return of the 1956 Grey Cup winning ball to the Parker family was a surprise for Jack Parker Jr, who was presented with the ball at an Edmonton Elks’ alumni dinner. While his father, Jackie Parker, who passed away in 2006, was not one for accolades or honors, his son believes he would have been surprised and pleased by the gesture. Jack Parker Jr expressed his gratitude for the league and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame for recognizing the significance of the ball and returning it to his family. The football, authenticated as the original ball used in the Grey Cup game, will now reside in the Hall of Fame as a significant piece of CFL history.
The significance of the returned football goes beyond just a stolen item being recovered. Jeff McWhinney, the keeper of the Grey Cup, emphasized that the ball represents history and diversity within the Canadian Football League. With the DNA of the players who touched it, the ball symbolizes the contributions and impact of those who have played in the league over the years. McWhinney reflected on the unique decision made by the players in 1956 to call the game due to the ball theft, highlighting the unity and camaraderie among the athletes. The Canadian Football League is recognized as a beacon of diversity and inclusion, with its history telling a story of belonging for all who have been a part of the league.
The return of the stolen football after nearly seven decades serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the players and teams who have contributed to CFL history. The gesture by Doug Bower to return the ball, for reasons still unknown, is seen as a symbolic act of respect for the game and the players involved. The surprising return of the ball has brought closure to a decades-old mystery surrounding the 1956 Grey Cup game, highlighting the importance of sports memorabilia in preserving and honoring the achievements of athletes. The return of the football has reignited interest in the story behind its theft and the impact it had on the game that day.
For the Parker family, the return of the 1956 Grey Cup winning football represents a connection to their father’s legacy and the history of the Edmonton football team. Jack Parker Jr expressed his shock, thrill, and gratitude upon receiving the ball, acknowledging its significance in CFL history and his father’s career. While Jackie Parker was known for his humility and lack of interest in accolades, his son believes he would have appreciated the gesture and the recognition of his contributions to the sport. The return of the stolen ball has brought closure and a sense of completeness to the Parker family, allowing them to reconnect with a significant piece of their father’s football career.
Overall, the return of the stolen football from the 1956 Grey Cup victory game to the Parker family represents a momentous occasion in CFL history. The ball’s journey from theft to return after nearly seven decades has captured the attention and interest of football fans and historians alike. The significance of the football goes beyond its material value, serving as a symbol of unity, diversity, and respect within the Canadian Football League. The gesture of returning the ball highlights the enduring impact of sports memorabilia in preserving the stories and achievements of athletes for future generations to appreciate and celebrate. The return of the stolen football has brought closure to a decades-old mystery and reunited a piece of history with its rightful owners, creating a full-circle moment for the Parker family and the CFL community.
