Bob McNamara was a star running back at the university of Minnesota where he won Big Ten All-Star honours in 1952 and 1954. In 1954, McNamara was a first team All-American and name the team's MVP. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the ninth round of the NFL, but signed instead with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 1955. McNamar went on to play four seasons (1955-58) with Winnipeg.

McNamara played just two games in that first season in 1955, but exploded in his first full season in 1956. McNamara rushed for 1101 yards with a 6.2 average yards per and caught 36 passes for for another 512 yards on the way to winning a West All-Star (there were no CFL All-Stars until 1962). McNamara recoreded a total of 17 touchdowns and 102 points with 13 of his scores o nthe ground and 4 on pass receptions. McNamara set a CFL record with 6 touchdowns in one game against the BC Lions on October 13. McNamara played in just 11 games total in the next two seasons (1957 and 1958), and much of the action he did see was on defence where he played defensive back. McNamara had two interpetionsin just 6 games in 1957, including one he returned 74 yards for a touchdown. McNamara did not dress for the Bomber Grey Cup win in 1957.

With the formation of the AFL in 1960, McNamara joined the Denver Bronkos for two seasons (1960-61) where he played mainly on defence and recorded 7 interceptions in 28 games.

Following his footbal playingdays, McNamara returned home to Minnesota where he was heavily involved in fund raising for the University of Minnesota. When the new football stadium opened in 2009, McNamara was named an honorary captain for his work for the Gophers. There is also an academic center for athletes named in his honor at the University of Minnesota.

Bob McNamara died on July 20, 2014.

Bob McNamara in Wikipedia

AFL Stats for Bob McNamara

Minnesota Mourns Loss of McNamara

Bob McNamara Dies at 82