April 2, 2008

John Bonk HOF Bio

Playing Career
Hamilton Tiger-Cats: 1972-1973
Winnipeg Blue Bombers: 1973-1985

Awards and Honours
CFL All-Star: 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985
West All-Star: 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985
Schenley Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman: 1984
DeMarco-Becket Memorial Trophy for Outstanding Lineman in the West: 1983, 1984
Grey Cup Participation: 1984
Grey Cup Winning Teams: 1984

John Bonk was born August 27, 1950 in Hamilton, Ontario and attended Delta Secondary School. In 1970 and 1971, while attending Mohawk College, he continued playing football with the Burlington Braves of the Canadian Junior Football League.

Bonk’s pro-football career began when the Hamilton Tiger-Cats invited him to training camp in 1972. Although most of his play that first season was with their developmental team in Kitchener, he played every game at linebacker in the 1973 season until he was traded to Winnipeg in October of that year.

Bonk started at linebacker in Winnipeg, but switched to center, the position he played for the rest of his career. He did not miss a regular season game between 1973 and 1985 (202 games), when a neck injury sidelined him and eventually led him to retire from football following the 1985 season.

John, his wife Christine and son Jesse returned to Hamilton following his retirement.