The Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club lost a legend on Tuesday with the passing of Roughrider great Gene Wlasiuk.

Wlasiuk spent nine seasons with the Roughriders from 1959-1967 after playing his first two CFL seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Wlasiuk played in the Riders defensive backfield while also returning punts. His 549 punt returns remain at the top of the Riders all-time list and his 3,296 punt return yards are good for second all-time. His return prowess was all achieved before blocking was allowed on punt returns.

Wlasiuk played a total of 132 games for the Green and White and finished with 27 interceptions and 12 fumble recoveries. He was also a key member of the Riders first Grey Cup championship in 1966.

To honor his outstanding accomplishments with the Football Club, Wlasiuk was enshrined in the Saskatchewan Roughrider Plaza of Honor in 1995.