"Jack's Journey" — Support Jack Abendschan - #53
Former Saskatchewan Roughrider Great - #53- JACK ABENDSCHAN - NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT!
From 1965 - 1976 Jack played for the Riders as left offensive guard as well as placekicker for the team, blocking for legendary Rider greats, Ron Lancaster and George Reed among others. He earned CFL All-Star honours five times, made the West All-Star team on seven occasions, and in 1966, he was a member of the first Grey Cup Championship Team in Rider history. Jack was also the Western Conference’s top scorer in 1969 and 1970. In recognition of his outstanding football achievements, in 2012, Jack was inducted into the CFL Hall of Fame.
During his football career, Jack sustained numerous hits and concussions, in the years prior to concussion awareness and protocols. Sadly, for the past decade, Jack has suffered from serious and progressive memory dysfunction and a probable CTE diagnosis. According to his neurological specialist, “blows to the head have probably contributed significantly to his impairments”. For years his wife Marjorie has cared for him lovingly at home, however his memory and physical condition have deteriorated to the point where it has become necessary to place him in a facility where memory care is the focus.
The ongoing costs associated with Jack’s continued care have exerted a significant financial strain on the family and this is where we seek your help. Jack is a kind and gentle soul who gave some of his best years to the Rider team and its devoted fans, so here’s a way to give back and ensure his twilight years are the best they can be!!
