Furr becomes first LFL Canada player eligible for LFL Hall of Fame
With the recent announcement that the Legends Football League shall induct its first member into the LFL Hall of Fame in September 2014, the Saskatoon Sirens shall be proudly represented. Among the four nominees for induction, former Sirens wide receiver and defensive back Heather Furr was nominated.
A former womenβs basketball coach in Plainfield, Illinois, Furr has some distant family connections in Canadaβs Prairie region. Having also played three seasons as the starting quarterback for the Chicago Bliss, she would lead the club to its first league title in 2013. Among the four nominees, Furr is the only one to have played north of the border, making her the first LFL Canada player ever nominated for Hall of Fame honours.
Although Furrβs legacy is strongly linked to her tenure with the Bliss franchise, there is no question that the one season she spent with the Saskatoon Sirens in 2012 added a major league feel to LFL Canada. The defining aspect of Furrβs season in Saskatoon was her dedication to the team. Fellow US import (and quarterback) Anne Erler was also signed by Saskatoon. Β Rather than cause a quarterback controversy, Furr opted to play wide receiver while Erler lined up behind centre.
Furrβs unselfish play would pay tremendous dividends for the Sirens. Having captured the imagination of fans, Furr and Erler quickly became known throughout LFL Canada as Furrler. Statistically, Furrler logged seven interceptions, more than any other pair of teammates in LFL Canada. Of note, Furr would lead the Sirens with 23 tackles (among the top five in the league) while leading all LFL competitors with 20.3 yards per reception.
Finishing the inaugural LFL Canada season as regular season champions, the Sirens were led by Furrler into the inaugural championship game. While the Sirens were unable to capture the first crown in league history, Furrβs legacy was helping the league start on strong footing while she emerged as a leader on and off the field.
Having earned an unlikely spot in Canadian womenβs football history as the first LFL Canada player to be considered for the LFL Hall of Fame, it is a statement that the Canadian league has a bold future ahead. While the minimum requirement for the Hall of Fame is four seasons, it may only be a question of time before more LFL Canada stars become eligible for recognition into the Hall.
Canadian-born stars such as Katie Marshall of the BC Angels and Kylie Rossler of the Regina Rage are starting to build remarkable legacies on the gridiron. Perhaps this may serve as the catalyst for the WWCFL and MWFL to consider a Hall of Fame for their respective leagues. Regardless of whether Furr becomes the first inductee in September 2014, her legacy in Saskatoonβs sporting conversation is one that is not to be forgotten soon.
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