Ed Learn

Ed Learn is among the all-time leaders in interceptions with 51, which ties him with three others for ninth place (as of 2010).  Learn, a native of Welland Ontario, played three years (1955-57) for the Kitchener-Waterloo Dutchmen of the ORFU (Ontario Rugby Football Union) before joining Montreal in 1958.

Initially concerns about his small size, he reported to the Als 1958 camp at 145 lbs, and was used solely as the sacrificial Canadian punt returner.  Ed seized the opportunity but playing in his first game against he was knocked unconscious performing that role and realized that he needed some additional bulk. By 1959 he had added 30 lbs. (largely by quitting smoking) and became a starting defensive back.  Learn played nine years in Montreal (1958-1966), and three more with Toronto (1967-1969). His durability was remarkable. By the time he left Montreal he had missed only two games , and trailed only  Herb Trawick, Ted Elsby and Sam Etcheverry in games played. He also surpassed Hal Patterson as the all-time Alouette interception leader at the time. Following the 1965 season, Learn requested a trade to an Ontario team to be closer to home, but he was declared an “untouchable” by Montreal brass, and wasn’t moved until he threatened to retire and a   May 1967 trade sent him to Toronto along with Jim Andreotti in exchange for Al Ecuyer.

Besides playing defensive back, Learn was also one of the top punt returners in the CFL.  Learn twice led the league in punt return yards (1962 and 1968).  While his numbers might not compare with the likes of Gizmo Williams, Learn accomplished those numbers in an era when there was no blocking allowed on punt returns.  He had a goal of return in a punt for a touchdown (unrealized), which was close to impossible in that era, and developed a dramatic lateral attack using return mates Ted Page and Larry Fairholm.  Learn seemed to be getting better as he got older, his best two seasons for interceptions were his last two.  In 1968, Learn led the East in interceptions with 7 and then upped the total to 8 in his final season, though he finished second that year behind only Hall of Famer and all-time interception leader Don Sutherin with 10.  Learn won four East All-Star selections at defensive back (1964, 1966, 1968 and 1969) and one CFL All-Star in 1968.  He was also nominated as the Outstanding Canadian for the Als three times (1961, 1962 and 1966).

After his retirement from football  Learn purchased an  auto dealership in his home town of Welland. He has since been owner of Ed Learn Ford Lincoln in St. Catharines, Ontario.

Learn Catches TD Pas for Kitchener-Waterloo - October 1, 1955

Learn Has An Intercetpion for Kitchenr in ORFU Final - November 19, 1956

Learn Nominated for Jeff Russell Trophy - October 7, 1965

Learn Traded to Toronto - May 10, 1967

Games Played, Interceptions and Fumble Returns
Year Team GP Int Yds Avg TDInt Long FR Yds Avg TD Long FF
1955 KWD                        
1956 KWD                        
1957 KWD                        
1958 MON 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1959 MON 14 6 112 18.7 1 60 0 0 0 0 0
1960 MON 14 5 30 6 0 17 0 0 0 0 0
1961 MON 12 2 27 13.5 0 26 0 0 0 0 0
1962 MON 14 3 25 8.3 0 20 0 0 0 0 0
1963 MON 14 3 29 9.7 0 18 0 0 0 0 0
1964 MON 14 5 60 12 0 25 2

0

1965 MON 14 4 27 6.8 0 19 1

0

1966 MON 14 6 41 6.8 0 21 0 0 0 0 0
1967 TOR 12 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
1968 TOR 14 7 79 11.3 0 33 0 0 0 0 0
1969 TOR 14 8 148 18.5 1 50 2 0 0 0 0

Kickoff and Punt Returns
Year Team KOR Yds Avg TD Long PR Yds Avg TD Long
1955 KWD                    
1956 KWD                    
1957 KWD                    
1958 MON 0 0 0 0 0 33 216 6.5 0 16
1959 MON 0 0 0 0 0 11 41 3.7 0 13
1960 MON 0 0 0 0 0 26 96 3.7 0 12
1961 MON 0 0 0 0 0 47 348 7.4 0 20
1962 MON 0 0 0 0 0 72 379 5.3 0 19
1963 MON 0 0 0 0 0 42 255 6.1 0 28
1964 MON 6 109 18.2 0 30 34 252 7.4 0 28
1965 MON 0 0 0 0 0 69 379 5.5 0 21
1966 MON 0 0 0 0 0 61 305 5 0 19
1967 TOR 0 0 0 0 0 65 460 7.1 0 31
1968 TOR 0 0 0 0 0 36 255 7.1 0 23
1969 TOR 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Fumbles
Year Team F FL OFR
1955 KWD 0
0
1956 KWD 0   0
1957 KWD 0   0
1958 mon 0   0
1959 MON 0
0
1960 MON 0
0
1961 MON 0
0
1962 MON 0
0
1963 MON 0
0
1964 MON 0
0
1965 MON 1
0
1966 MON 1
0
1967 TOR 0 0 0
1968 TOR 1 1 1
1969 TOR 0
0

Kickoffs and Punting
Year Team KO Yds Avg Long S P Yds Avg Long S
1955 KWD                    
1956 KWD                    
1957 KWD                    
1958 MON 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1959 MON 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1960 MON 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1961 MON 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1962 MON 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1963 MON 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1964 MON 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1965 MON 0 0 0 0 0 7 231 33 50 0
1966 MON 1 25 25 25 0 1 26 26 26 0
1967 TOR 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1968 TOR 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1969 TOR 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

 

Topps 1965 Ed Learn

Ed Learn