THE CANADIAN PRESS
Al Brenner, a former CFL defensive back who once went missing for eight years, has died at age 64.
Brenner, who played seven seasons in the CFL in the 1970s, passed away earlier this week at a hospital in Clinton, N.C., according to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The cause of death is unknown.
The former all-star lived with his family in Burlington, Ont., after his career, but was reported missing by Halton Regional Police in April, 1983, after failing to return home.
He remained missing until he broke his silence and made contact with his family in 1991.
Brenner’s disappearance was one of the subjects of a show on missing Canadians by CBC’s "The Fifth Estate." The program, which aired Dec. 3, 2010, showed Brenner living on government assistance in a small town in North Carolina, not being able to explain why he left.
Brenner played with the Ticats, Winnipeg and Ottawa from 1971-77.
Brenner’s 15 interceptions in 1972 remain a single-season league record, while his 37 interceptions and 485 interception return yards with Hamilton are second overall in franchise history.
Brenner was named a CFL and East Division all-star in 1972 and was a member of Grey Cup championship teams in Hamilton (1972) and Ottawa (1976).
