Rudy Phillips was signed by the Ottawa Rough Riders for the final six games of the season in 1981.  In 1982, 1983, and 1984 he was the Rough Rider’s nominees for Outstanding Offensive Lineman. He was the winner of the Outstanding Lineman Award two years in a row, 1982 and 1983.  In 1985, Phillips left the Ottawa Rough Riders and pursued a career in the NFL.  Phillips returned to the CFL in 1986, this time with the Edmonton Eskimos.  Rudy Phillips was an Eastern All-Star Offensive Guard twice in 1982, 1983 and Western All-Star Offensive Guard once in 1986.  He was All-Canadian three times in his career in 1982, 1983, and 1986.

"EX-ESK RUDY PHILLIPS GETS THE CALL TO THE HALL

Former Edmonton Eskimo offensive lineman Rudy Phillips has been named to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.

During just seven seasons in the CFL, Phillips made a big impact. The North Texas State product joined Ottawa late in the 1981 regular season and played in the Rough Riders’ 26-23 loss to Edmonton in the ’81 Grey Cup in Montreal. Phillips spent four years in Ottawa, and was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in 1982 and ’83.

After a one year stint in the NFL in 1985, he signed with Edmonton and would play on an offensive line with future Hall of Famer Rod Connop. Named a Western and a CFL All-Star in 1986, Phillips was a member of Edmonton’s 1987 Grey Cup winning team.

Gary Durchik, former Eskimo offensive line coach (1987 – 1990 & ’97) and current Edmonton Wild Cat head coach says, “Rudy was a very tough and aggressive player who had a tremendous competitive streak. It was much better to have Rudy on your team than having to play against him.”

Phillips is the 36th Eskimo to be inducted to the CFL Hall of Fame."

Note: Phillips is actually the 40th Eskimo to be inducted to the CFL Hall of Fame.