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| Date of birth: | June 3, 1935 |
| Place of birth: | Clinton, Iowa |
| Career information | |
|---|---|
| Position(s): | Quarterback |
| Jersey №: | 11, 89 |
| College: | University of Iowa |
| NFL Draft: | 1957 / Round: 19 / Pick 222 (By the Cleveland Browns) |
| Organizations | |
| As player: | |
| 1957-1967 | Winnipeg Blue Bombers |
| Canadian Football Hall of Fame | |
Kenneth "Ken" Ploen [PLAYN], OM (born June 3, 1935) was a star quarterback in American college football and for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL)
In 1956, Ploen became the University of Iowa Hawkeyes starting quarterback. That year, he led his team to its first Big Ten Conference title in 35 years and winning the 1957 Rose Bowl Game. He was named Big Ten player of the year and College Football All-America Team, plus voted the Rose Bowl's Most Valuable Player.
Brought to Winnipeg, Manitoba by Blue Bombers head coach Bud Grant, from 1957-1967 he led his team to six Grey Cup appearances, including four victories. In the 1961 Grey Cup game he scored one of the most memorable touchdowns in professional football history, eluding numerous defenders on an eighteen yard run into the endzone during overtime to win the game. He was voted Grey Cup Most Valuable Player that year, was selected as a divisional All-Star three times, and also filled in at halfback and safety.
Kenny Ploen was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1975, the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in 1987, the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame in 1997, and the Iowa Sports Hall of Fame in 2002. In 2005 Ploen was named one of the Blue Bombers 20 All-Time Greats.
After Ploen retired from football, he and his wife made Winnipeg their home. He worked as a sales representative and as a colour commentator for a local radio station.
In 2007, he was awarded the Order of Manitoba.[1]
In September 2009, he was recognized by fan vote and the CFL Hall of Fame, as the Most Outstanding CFL Player of the 1960's.
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