George Springate is one of that small number of professional athletes who accomplished more off the field than on. Having said that, playing three seasons in the CFL and winning a Grey Cup ring in 1970 was not a small feat either.
Springate was born in 1938 in Montreal and became a policeman at age 20 in 1958. Springate served as a policeman for 11 years from 1958 to 1969, but at the same time pursued a university education. Springate earned three degrees in that time, a Bachelor of Arts from Sir George Williams University (now part of Concordia), a Bachelor of Civil Law in 1968 and a Bachelor of Common Law from McGill in 1969. All that didn't keep Springate busy enough as he also played football for the McGill Redmen from 1966 to 1968.
Springate would serve as a kicker for the Montreal Alouettes from 1970 to 1972, though most of his playing time was in his first season in 1970 when he played 11 games and had 41 points. Springate also kicked 5 of 6 field goal attempts in the playoffs for Montreal. In 1971, Springate retired from the Alouettes after playing in just four games when Justin Canale took over the kicking. Canale had the added edge of also being able to play guard. Springate returned to the Alouettes in 1972 and played two more games for the Larks.
In his first season in 1970, Springate was also elected to the Quebec National Assembly where he served until 1981. Always outspoken, Springate became famous for his opposition to Quebec's Bill 22. Following that, Springate taught civil law at John Abbott College where he also helped found the Police Technologies program. Springate has served as a citizenship judge and was last appointed to a five year term in 2008. Springate is also a member of the Order of Canada.
Profile of Springate from the Citizenship Commission
Springate Rejoins McGill Grid Squad - September 6, 1968
Guards Trail Springate Off Field - October 21, 1970
Als Not Kicking' They'll Let Springate Do It - October 18, 1972
Springate Being Out There With Not a Chance in Hell - August 1, 1974
Springate Kicks in With Ryan - Mar. 3, 1978
Springate Brings Low Profile Humour to Debate - March 19, 1980
George Springate Leaving Limelight - June 12, 1981
Springate Named Top Citizenship Judge - October 16, 2008
George Springate Speach - YouTube Video - June, 2012
| Year | Team | GP | CA | CG | % | FGA | Good | FG% | Long | S | MFG | YdsMFG | Avg | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | MON | 11 | 21 | 15 | 71.4 | 14 | 8 | 57.1 | 41 | 2 | 5 | 125 | 25 | 41 |
| 1971 | MON | 4 | 7 | 5 | 71.4 | 4 | 1 | 25 | 33 | 2 | 3 | 115 | 38.3 | 10 |
| 1972 | MON | 2 | 1 | 1 | 100 | 1 | 1 | 100 | 37 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
Fumbles
| Year | Team | F | FL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | MON | 1 | 1 |
| 1971 | MON | 1 | 1 |
| 1972 | MON | 0 | 0 |
| Year | Team | KO | Yds | Avg | Long | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | MON | 2 | 95 | 47.5 | 50 | 0 |
| 1971 | MON | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1972 | MON | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Year | Team | F | FL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | MON | 1 | 1 |
| 1971 | MON | 1 | 1 |
| 1972 | MON | 0 | 0 |
