Ken Ploen
| No. 11, 89 | |
| Date of birth | June 3, 1935 |
|---|---|
| Place of birth | Lost Nation, Iowa |
| Career information | |
| Status | Retired |
| CFL status | International |
| Position(s) | QB |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) |
| Weight | 200 lb (91 kg) |
| College | Iowa |
| NFL draft | 1957 / Round: 19 / Pick: 222 |
| Drafted by | Cleveland Browns |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1957–1967 | Winnipeg Blue Bombers |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| CFL All-Star | 1965 |
| CFL West All-Star | 1957, 1959, 1965 |
| Career stats | |
Kenneth "Ken" Ploen [PLAYN], OM (born June 3, 1935) is a former star quarterback in American college football and for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL).
In 1956, Ploen became the University of Iowa Hawkeyes starting quarterback. That year, he led his team to its first Big Ten Conference title in 35 years and a victory in the 1957 Rose Bowl Game. He was named an All-American and the Big Ten player of the year. He was voted the 1957 Rose Bowl's Most Valuable Player.
After leaving Iowa, head coach Bud Grant brought Kenny Ploen to Canada to play quarterback for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers from 1957 to 1967. He also filled in at halfback and safety. Ploen led his team to six Grey Cup appearances (1957, 1958, 1959, 1961, 1962, 1965), including four victories: 1958, 1959, 1961, 1962 and two losses: 1957, 1965. In the 49th Grey Cup game (1961), he scored one of the most memorable touchdowns in professional football history, eluding numerous defenders on an eighteen-yard run into the endzone during overtime to win it (see video below). He was voted the 1961 Grey Cup Most Valuable Player, was selected as a divisional All-Star three times.
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