7 Best Edmonton Elks Players of All Time, Ranked

While the Edmonton Elks may not be among the favourites in Grey Cup betting odds lately, the team saw early success, winning three consecutive Grey Cups from 1954 to 1956. Those wins mark three of the 14 in franchise history. 

So, although the Edmonton Elks may not be where the fan base wants them to be right now, there’s a lot of history to look back on fondly. 

Below is my list of the seven best Elks players of all time.

Spoiler: All of these players are enshrined in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. 

Who Are the Best Edmonton Elks Players?

1. Warren Moon

After going undrafted in the 1978 NFL Draft, Moon joined the CFL and played for Edmonton from 1978 to 1983. 

In that time, he won five consecutive Grey Cups, was named the game’s MVP twice, was named the CFL Most Outstanding Player, and was a CFL All-Star. 

Moon also led the CFL in passing touchdowns three times.

Additionally, he threw for 21,228 yards (third in franchise history) and 144 touchdowns (second). 

He’s in Edmonton’s Ring of Honor and is also enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

2. Jackie Parker

Parker played numerous positions for Edmonton from 1954 to 1962. He played quarterback, running back, defensive back, and was a kicker. 

He scored 677 points (fourth), had 79 touchdowns (second), and ran for 4,713 yards (most among all Edmonton quarterbacks). 

In addition to three Grey Cups, Parker won the Schenley Award (now known as the Most Outstanding Player Award) three times, won the Jeff Nicklin Trophy (best player from the West Division) seven times, and also took home the Dave Dryburgh Memorial Trophy (top scorer in the West Division) twice. 

3. Johnny Bright

A fullback and linebacker, Bright first suited up for Edmonton in 1954 and remained with them until his final season in 1964. 

He was part of three consecutive Grey Cup wins, took home the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player Award, won the Eddie James Memorial Trophy (leading rushing in the West Division) four times, and was a six-time CFL All-Star.

Not only that, but he led the CFL in rushing yards four times and in rushing touchdowns once. 

Bright ran for 9,966 yards (first) and scored 69 touchdowns (second). He also holds the franchise record for most 100-yard games with 36. 

4. Willie Pless

Pless played linebacker for Edmonton from 1991 to 1998, and during that time, he was dominant. 

He was a member of the 1993 Grey Cup squad, and he was also named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player five times. Of the 11 times he was named a CFL All-Star, eight came while he was with Edmonton. 

Pless holds Elks records in tackles (813), fumble returns (26), and tackles for loss (41). 

5. Danny Kepley

Kepley, another linebacker, played his entire professional career with the Elks from 1975 to 1984. 

He was a member of six Grey Cup-winning teams, was a three-time CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player, a three-time Dr. Beattie Martin Trophy winner (most outstanding player in the West Division), and a five-time CFL All-Star. 

6. Ricky Ray

Ray had two stints with Edmonton, with the first coming from 2002 to 2003 and the second from 2005 to 2011. 

While with Edmonton, Ray won two Grey Cups, was named Grey Cup MVP, was a CFL All-Star, and led the CFL in passing yards three times. 

He holds Elks records in passes thrown (4,827), completions (3,225), passing yards (40,531), and passing touchdowns (210). 

7. Normie Kwong

After playing his first three seasons in the CFL with Calgary, Kwong came over to Edmonton and played running back from 1951 to 1960. 

He won three Grey Cups with Edmonton, along with the Eddie James Memorial Trophy, the Lionel Conacher Award (Canada’s top male athlete), and was a four-time CFL West All-Star. 

Kwong recorded 77 touchdowns (third), 8,769 rushing yards (second), had 19 100-yard games (second), and 73 rushing touchdowns (first).