Scott Flagel played junior football for the St. Vital Cobras (1978 to 1979) before accepting a football scholarship to Arizona Western. He began his pro career in 1982 after signing with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as an undrafted free agent. He played in seven games during his rookie season, contributing 25 tackles and 11 assists and was a special teams standout.
After playing in all 16 regular season games in 1983 and 1984, Flagel emerged as one of the top safeties in the CFL in 1985. He had four interception returns for 62 yards and one touchdown, 69 tackles, six assists and was named a West Division All-Star for the first time in his CFL career that season.
Flagel followed-up that performance with another stellar season in 1986. He accumulated 71 defensive tackles, 28 assists, one fumble recovery, two interceptions and a quarterback sack en route to being named a CFL and West Division All-Star.
Flagel had arguably the best season of his CFL career in 1987 when he tied for the Blue Bomber team lead in fumble returns with three for 27 yards and added 24 special teams tackles, five interceptions for 48 yards, 53 tackles and 26 assists. That performance led to him being named to the CFL and East Division All-Star teams. He was also the Schenley Award winner for Most Outstanding Canadian and the Lew Hayman Trophy as the CFL East Division’s Most Outstanding Canadian.
A defensive playmaker, Flagel twice led the Blue Bombers in fumble returns with three in 1984 and three in 1987.
Flagel also spent time with the Calgary Stampeders (1988), Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1988 to 1989) and Ottawa Rough Riders (1989 to 1991) before retiring. He earned three CFL East Division All-Star nominations (1989 to 1991) and was a CFL All-Star (1989) during that time. In 1990, he the CFL record for all-time blocked kicks with seven.
