SPORTSNET.CA
The Canadian Football League is mourning the loss of Leif Pettersen, a former receiver and broadcaster who passed away this week.
A number of on-line reports suggest Petterson, 57, died of a heart attack at his Toronto home.
Pettersen was drafted by the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 1974 and played four seasons for the team. He was traded to Hamilton in 1978 and played four more seasons before retiring in 1982. He played in two Grey Cups – 1976 with Saskatchewan and 1980 with the Tiger-Cats – and was a finalist for the Schenley Award as top Canadian in 1979. After his playing career, Petterson worked as an analyst on TSN and Sportsnet broadcasts.
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of my teammate and friend Leif Pettersen," Riders President/CEO Jim Hopson said in a statement. "I have memories of a young, fun guy who was always a positive force on the team but more importantly great recent memories of a good friend who was continually kind and gracious in his support and happiness for the success of the Riders.
“He was absolutely delighted by the fact that Steve (Mazurak) and I were back with the team. It will not be the same going to Toronto and Leif isn’t there to welcome us."
League commissioner Mark Cohon issued a statement reagrding the passing of Pettersen:
“On behalf of the entire Canadian Football League, I want to express my sympathies to the family and many friends of Leif Pettersen. As a player and television commentator, Leif was an obvious talent, a true professional. But it was his quick smile and seemingly effortless style that added an undeniable touch of class to everything he did, and in the process, to our league. Our thoughts are with his loved ones.”
