BREAKING: Argonauts Receives Disastrous News Regarding Former QB
Former CFL quarterback Wally Gabler, who spent the majority of his seven-year career with the Toronto Argonauts, has passed away at the age of 80. The Argos announced his death on Thursday, though the cause was not disclosed.
“The Argonauts are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Wallace (Wally) Fredrick Gabler III,” the team shared in a social media post. “A true leader and fierce competitor, Wally’s contributions to the team and the sport have left an incredible mark on our history. Our deepest condolences to his family.”
Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 195 pounds, Gabler began his CFL career with Toronto in 1966. His rookie season was a challenging one, completing 99 of 219 passes (45.2%) for 1,659 yards with six touchdowns and 14 interceptions while being sacked 34 times.
In August 1969, the Argos traded Gabler to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in exchange for running back Dave Raimey, who later earned spots in both the Bombers Hall of Fame and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. Gabler’s tenure in Winnipeg was brief, as he was later traded to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats during the 1970 season. However, injuries in 1971 led to him losing the starting role to Joe Zuger.
Gabler returned to Toronto in 1972, concluding both the season and his CFL career with the Argonauts. Over his time in the league, he completed 848 of 1,690 passes (50.2%) for 13,080 yards, throwing 61 touchdowns and 118 interceptions. His best season came in 1968 when he posted 3,242 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions while also rushing for 458 yards and four scores.
Gabler remains eighth all-time in passing yards (8,410) and 10th in career touchdown passes (41) in Argonauts history.
Before his CFL career, the Portsmouth, Ohio, native played college football at New Mexico Military Institute before transferring to Michigan in 1963. As a starter in 1965, he completed 58 of 126 passes for 825 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions while adding 49 rushing yards.
His younger brother, John Gabler, also played for Michigan as a halfback from 1966 to 1969.