MontrealAlouettes.com
MONTREAL – Former Alouettes head coach Marv Levy has been named to the Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame, a shrine aimed at coming to the aid of former football players in financial need.
Levy, who guided the Alouettes from 1973 to 1977, will be joined by fellow 2012 inductees: legendary Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders, former Alouettes defensive lineman Angelo Mosca, Heisman Trophy winner Billy Sims and former NFLer turned broadcaster, Dan Dierdorf.
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Levy, surrounded by Junior Ah You (left) and Peter Dalla Riva (right), holding the 1974 Grey Cup. |
“I am very touched that this has occurred,” said Levy. “I stay in close contact with Mike Ditka and others involved in the Gridiron Greats. It is a very worthwhile cause that can sometimes be overlooked. I am very proud to be part of it.”
Levy’s landing in Montreal had a major impact on the Alouettes who went from a 4-10 mark prior to his arrival to a Grey Cup championship only two seasons later in 1974. He would then lead the Alouettes to another championship in 1977 before leaving Montreal to become head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs the following season.
“I coached for 47 years and only five were in Montreal but they are a very memorable part of my career for me,” said Levy. “Everything was so uplifting – the ambience of the City of Montreal. I loved it. We had great owners and great players like Peter Dalla Riva, Sonny Wade, Wally Buono and so many others. I left Montreal not feeling five years older but five years younger.”
Levy coached the Chiefs from 1978 to 1982 and the Buffalo Bills from 1986 to 1997. During his time in Buffalo the Bills appeared in an unprecedented four-straight Super Bowls (1990-1993). With a career record of 186-143-4 (.565) coaching professional football, Levy took his rightful place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton in 2001.
The Grid Iron Greats Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on May 18 in Novi, Michigan. The Grid Iron Greats Assistance Fund is supported through numerous donations and fundraising activities held throughout the year including special events, auctions of memorabilia, autograph events, corporate and public donation drives, sponsorships and special Super Bowl related events.
For more information, visit http://www.gridirongreats.org/gridiron-greats-assistance-fund/
