At 6’ 1” and 230 lbs Blake Marshall could run through brick walls. Following in older brother Greg’s footsteps, Blake started his career with Bishop MacDonell High School where he was selected as their Most Valuable Athlete in 1978. He later went to the University of Western Ontario where he had a stellar career highlighted by the winning of the Hec Crighton Award which symbolizes the top player in Canadian College football.
In 1987 he was the second overall pick by the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League. As a fearsome fullback Marshall had a tremendous career battering his way through defensive lines.
Three times Marshall led the Canadian Football league in rushing touchdowns and in 1991 led the league in touchdowns…period. That season he had 20 touchdowns, rushed for 615 yards on 125 carries, averaging almost five yards per carry.
Three years running he was a Western Division all-star and a League all-star. In 1991 he was selected as the Most Outstanding Canadian in the CFL.
Marshall played in two Grey Cup games, winning the ultimate prize in 1987 as Edmonton beat Toronto 38-36. In all, he scored five playoff touchdowns and was an inspirational leader on and off the field.
Inducted into the Guelph Sports Hall of Fame – Athlete category – on May 15, 2000
