Jim Dillard

Jim Dillard was a three time divisional All-Star, who played seven years in the CFL, from 1962 to 1968. Dillard started his career with Calgary in 1962, with 480 yards rushing and 38 catches for 733 more yards. If Dillard's rushing totals don't seem too impressive, keep in mind that in 1962, the Stampeders had three other very good running backs in Earl Lunsford, Lovell Coleman and Ed Buchanen. The end result, was that while Dillard didn't see the ball as much rushing, he was a dangerous receiver out of the backfield with his specialty being the "look-in" pass over the middle from QB Eagle Day. The 38 catches might not seem high by today's standards, but in the more run dominated offense of the early 60s, they were good enough for seventh in the West, and second on the Stampeders behind Pete Manning. In 1963, Dillard picked up his first divisional All-Star honour with 690 yards rushing and 34 catches for another 543. Dillard's third (and last) year in Calgary in 1964 was limited to just 5 games due to injuries though he still had 16 pass receptions. Dillard moved East to join Ottawa in 1963, repalcing long time Rough Rider Dave Thelen who moved to Toronto. Dillard played for two seasons with the Rough Riders, and was part of a strong three man running attack in those two years along with Bo Scott and Ron Stewart. Dillard rang up a career high 756 yards rushing in 1965 which was second highest in the East, and won him East All-Star honours. The failure of the Ottawa running game in the 1966 Grey Cup loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, might have helped to move Dillard out of Ottawa and he was traded to Toronto. Dillard held out at he start of the 1967 season. When the Argos got into trouble, they made the effort to sign Dillard to a contract, and he scored a touchdown in his first game with the Argos in a loss to Edmonton. The play of Dillard for the rest of the season, however, was a big factor in Toronto making the playoffs as he had 670 yards in just 12 games, to finish third in the East in rushing. This included a huge game from Dillard of around 180 yards against Montreal late in the season to secure the final playoff spot ahead of the Als. Dillard's tendancy to win All-Star honours in odd numbered years continued in 1967 when he was selected to the East All-Star team. 1968 was Dillard's last year, and while he played all 14 games, he was hobbled by injuries and managed only 547 yards rushing. The arrival of Dave Raimey from Winnipeg in 1969 seemed to be the spark for Dillard's exodus..