The Bleacher Creature |
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The Bleacher Creature |
 Phil "The Bleacher Creature" Tufnell - Phil was unquestionably
the Stampeders #1 fan during the 1989-95 seasons and was famous
for wearing a red & white fright wig, red & white face paint, a
Stamps uniform with red & white streamers from his boots, and
red & white 60's retro-look sunglasses. He had a running stallion
shaved into each side of his haircut, like a Stamps helmet. Phil
first caught on with the Stamps as a cameraman at practices, at
which a player dubbed him "The Bleacher Creature from Planet
Javex." From then on, he prowled the sidelines at McMahon Stadium
entertaining children and urging the fans on to root for the team.
In 1993, Phil was taken critically ill with complications from
diabetes and had his right leg amputated below the knee, then
his left leg near his foot. With the threat of losing both legs
entirely, the determined Phil fought back to regain some of his
health. His courage throughout his struggle earned him a special
place in the hearts of Calgarians. He never stopped taking part
in charity and publicity work, and never missed a game patrolling
the sidelines with his drum. Phil was a truly positive and
generous spirit. In May of 1995, though he was only 35 years of
age, complications from his infirmities claimed his life, and the
entire CFL lost one of its greatest fans. At his funeral were
almost all of the Stampeders who reside year-round in Calgary,
as well as the team's management. McMahon Stadium will never be
the same without "The Bleacher Creature." Thanks to www.cuug.ab.ca/~leblancj/stamps.html for the info. This website is not, in any way, shape or form, connected with the Calgary Stampeders, Grey Cup 2002, Canadian Football League, The Sports Network, Fritos or any other company mentioned here. The thoughts and opinions are my own. The logos belong to the teams and/or companies, and I hope they won't mind if I use 'em. |
