Quinn Magnuson’s CFL career started with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 1993 where he mostly played special teams although being an offensive lineman. The Bombers advanced to the Grey Cup that year, falling short to the Edmonton Eskimos. Magnuson also had CFL stops with the Ottawa Rough Riders, Montreal Alouettes and Saskatchewan Roughriders. Last Word on Sports had the privilege of an exclusive interview with the Saskatoon native.
Interview with Former CFL Player Quinn Magnuson
Cole Shelton: You were a part of the 1995 Ottawa Rough Riders, a 3-15 team. What was the locker room like that year?
Quinn Magnuson: Despite the guys being in good spirits, it was tough. A lot of players coming and going. Tons of changes, loss after loss. It got frustrating and the only real leadership we had was from Danny Barrett, our quarterback. The coaching staff was old and in their last years.
CS: You played with a very good quarterback in Barrett. What was he like?
QM: Great guy, great leader. [He was] in his final seasons at that point but still somewhat effective. Had no support and the coaching was not great. He WAS our offensive coach.
CS: In 1995 with Ottawa the ownership was considered “cheap”. Did that affect the players at all?
QM: Absolutely. We barely got paid week to week. It was terrible and players were being shuttled in and out daily. So glad they released me. Players were more concerned with whether they would actually get paid than playing the games.
CS: When you played in Ottawa the Rough Riders were close to folding. What do you think of the Ottawa and the Redblacks now?
QM: Absolutely amazed at what that ownership group has done. So happy to see it succeed. Redblacks are probably my favourite team right now.
CS: You played during the U.S.A. expansion period. What was that like going to the U.S.A. to play football games?
QM: Road trips were long and arduous. Most cities were okay (Sacramento and Las Vegas) but the majority were terrible to play in, like Shreveport, Birmingham, San Antonio and Memphis. Long trips and not very good stadiums. Low fan attendance. It was easily the worst the league has ever been.
CS: Did you ever think the American expansion was going to work?
QM: Not really. It was quick money grab by the league because they were suffering financially. No real TV contract, no endorsements, nothing. League minimum then was $26,000, absolutely horrible.
CS: Do you think the CFL should have a tenth team?
QM: I don’t think it should, other than to balance the schedule out. However, if I had to place a team, I would think Halifax.
CS: What was the best part of being an offensive lineman, and why did you want to be an offensive lineman?
QM: I didn’t. I wanted to play the D-line but I had good feet and was athletic. Best part was dominating a particular play or player and it leading to a touchdown. When your running back or quarterback gives you praise, that was always the best.
CS: You played for Winnipeg, Ottawa, Saskatchewan, and Montreal. Which one was your favourite?
QM: Winnipeg for its fan base. The city was actually fun to live in, despite what most say. Montreal for its culture and night life. Ottawa was brutal, we sucked and no one cared we even existed. Riders I only played a few games.
CS: What was your favourite memory of playing in the CFL?
QM: Just being around the guys. The camaraderie that is built. Winning the ’93 Labour Day Classic against the Riders, and getting to snap the winning field goal for Westwood.
Photo Courtesy of Quinn Magnuson.
