Rod Connop

Class of 2005


Rod Connop had two years of college eligibility remaining when he joined the Edmonton Eskimos as a first round selection following the 1982 CFL draft. Connop made the squad as a rookie, starting on the offensive line for a team that ultimately won its fifth straight championship in 1982. During his time in Edmonton he developed into a team leader.

He was chosen five times as Edmonton’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman. He was a seven time All-Western Centre and a North Division All-Star once in 1995. He was named All-Canadian once in 1987 and then five straight years from 1989 to 1993. In 1989, he won the Demarco-Becket Memorial Trophy as the Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in the Western Division and subsequently named the Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in the CFL.

Connop spent sixteen seasons with the Eskimos. He retired in 1998 as the team’s all-time leader in games played with 303. He also played 23 playoff games and six grey cups.

Playing Career

Edmonton Eskimos
1982 - 1997

Awards/Honours

  • All-Western Centre
    1987, 1989 - 1993, 1996
  • All-Canadian Centre
    1987, 1989, 1991 - 1993
  • Edmonton Eskimos Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman
    1987, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995
  • Demarco-Becket Memorial Trophy
    1989
  • North Division All-Star
    1995
  • Grey Cup Participation
    1982, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1993, 1996
  • Grey Cup Winning Teams
    1982, 1987, 1993