Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive standout Garner Ekstran led the team to their first Grey Cup championship in 1966 over the Ottawa Rough Riders with six tackles. (Image Credit: Saskatchewan Roughriders/X)
Riders defensive star, 1966 Grey Cup champion Garner Ekstran dead at 86
Apr 10, 2026 | 9:30 AM
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One of the greatest defensive players in Saskatchewan Roughriders history has died.
The Roughriders announcing Monday the passing of longtime defensive lineman and linebacker Garner Ekstran, who died of natural causes Saturday at the age of 86 in Sedro-Woolley, Wash.
Ekstran spent seven of his eight CFL seasons with the Roughriders between 1961 and 1967, becoming a three-time all-CFL selection and dressing in 116 career regular season and playoff games in Saskatchewan.
He was a key member of Saskatchewan’s 1966 Grey Cup champion roster, co-leading the team with six tackles including a key defensive stop which led to the game-winning touchdown in a 29-14 victory over the Ottawa Rough Riders in the 54th Grey Cup.
