23 Facts About Henry Janzen

Henry F Janzen was a Canadian professional football defensive back and kick returner who played in the Canadian Football League for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers from 1959 to 1965.

Henry Janzen ended up playing seven seasons, recording 15 interceptions in his career and being named a West All-Star in 1965 after posting seven interceptions.

Henry Janzen helped the Blue Bombers win three Grey Cup championships in his career.

Henry Janzen later became coach of the University of Manitoba football team, leading the Bisons to back-to-back Vanier Cup championships in 1969 and 1970, the first time this was ever accomplished.

Henry Janzen was born on June 7,1940, in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Henry Janzen attended Glenlawn Collegiate and played junior football for the Weston Wildcats.

At the age of 19, Henry Janzen joined the local Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League, skipping college.

Henry Janzen was the team's top punt returner that year, and with 499 return yards in 16 games, was awarded the Dr Beattie Martin Trophy for best rookie in the Western Interprovincial Football Union.

Henry Janzen continued as starting punt returner, and made 52 returns for 274 yards, a 5.3 average per-return.

Henry Janzen saw time on offense, and recorded 12 rush attempts for 79 yards and six receptions for 82 yards, scoring one touchdown.

Henry Janzen led the team in punt return yardage that year, gaining 394 yards on 54 attempts, for an average of 7.3 yards.

Henry Janzen caught two passes on offense for 37 yards and gained 13 yards rushing in the season.

Henry Janzen appeared in all 16 games that season and scored a career-high three touchdowns.

Henry Janzen ended up playing three more seasons for the Blue Bombers, retiring in 1966 to accept a position in the athletic department at the University of Manitoba.

Henry Janzen finished his CFL career with 103 games played, 28 rushes for 153 yards, 19 receptions for 294 yards, 15 interceptions, 282 punt returns for 1755 yards and six total touchdowns.

Henry Janzen was a part of three Grey Cup championships with Winnipeg.

Henry Janzen later became the head coach for the Manitoba Bisons football team, and led them to back-to-back Vanier Cup championships in 1969 and 1970, which was the first time a team had won two straight Canadian university championships.

Henry Janzen later earned his doctorate and became the Dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management at the University of Manitoba.

Henry Janzen was an instrumental figure in the establishment of the Health, Leisure and Human Performance Research Institute and helped establish the School of Physical Education as a Faculty.

Henry Janzen chaired and was a founding board member of the Manitoba Institute of Trade and Technology, and was the chair of the National Advisory Council Fitness and Amateur Sport for ten years.

Henry Janzen gave service to United Way, the Provincial Council on Youth Crime, St Boniface Hospital, Manitoba Boxing Commission, and CHUM Radio.

Henry Janzen received numerous honors and accolades, among these the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, honorary citizen of Winnipeg, Order of the Buffalo Hunt-Achievement Award, Builder Award for Outstanding Dedication and Promotion of Physical Education for the Youth of Manitoba, honorary membership in the Manitoba Teacher's Society, and induction to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Hall of Fame in 1989.

Henry Janzen died on July 20,2022, in Winnipeg, at the age of 82.