Ed Tomlin, a  native of Ocala, Florida was a star halfback at Howard High where he was also a standout in baseball. He played his college ball on a scholarship at Hampton University, and was drafted in the tenth round of the 1968 NFL college draft by the Baltimore Colts in the 10th round (270th overall).  He signed with Montreal  after a bidding war between Montreal and Baltimore. The Alouettes were looking for another breakaway back from Florida (Bob Paremore was a predecessor) and was willing to commit a large amount of money to acquire the 20 year old.  Tomlin came to Montrealin 1968 where he played 8 games, rushing for 261 yards and scoring a pair of touchdowns.  Tomlin also filled in as the emergancy kicker at one point, kicking a convert and provided some spark as a kick returner. Despite his size and speed, Tomlin did not light up the CFL as the Alouettes had hoped -  partially as a result of the dismal team he was on and also due to an ankle injury. By the end of the season it was apparent that the team was in need of an overhaul and the running back job had become the property of Dennis Duncan. Following his retirement from football, Tomlin was very active in the civil rights movement in the United States.  A love of football ran in the family as Tomlin's son, Mike Tomlin is (as of 2012) the head coach of th Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. Ed Tomlin passed away at the age of 63 on Monday, January 16, 2012.


Ed Tomlin on fanbase.com

Alouettes Import Sure-Fire All-Star - March 1, 1968

Alouettes big gamble on Tomlin (article in French) - March 2, 1968

Ed Tomlin at findagrave.com

Ed Tomlin Passes Away at 63