Hal Patterson

Hal Patterson

Harold Patterson, football player (Born 4 Oct 1932; died at Kinsley, KS, 21 Nov 2011). He became a star CFL player early in his 14-year career as a member of the vaunted MONTREAL ALOUETTES passing attack led by quarterback Sam Etcheverry from 1954 to 1960. In 1956 he enjoyed a season virtually unequalled in CFL history, catching 88 passes for 1914 yards in 14 games, records that lasted for 11 and 17 years. His record of 338 yards receiving was set that year and still stands, as does his record for the longest completion (109 yards, shared). He also won the scoring title and received the SCHENLEY AWARD that year. He was traded to HAMILTON TIGER-CATS in 1961, where he played on 3 Grey Cup champions. His career totals of 460 receptions, 9473 yards and 64 touchdowns place him among the finest receivers ever to play in the CFL. His class and physical grace earned him the nickname "Prince Hal." He was inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 1971 and in 2008 the Montreal Alouettes retired his number 75.