Charles Kaye Vaughan (June 30, 1931 – February 5, 2023) was an American-born Canadian professional football player who played as a lineman for the Ottawa Rough Riders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) for twelve seasons, from 1953 to 1964.
Early Life and Education
Vaughan was born in Concordia, Kansas, United States. He attended Concordia Junior-Senior High School, graduating in 1949, and played college football at the University of Tulsa from 1950 to 1952. He was inducted into the University of Tulsa Hall of Fame in 1990.
Professional Career
Vaughan was selected in the 12th round (134th overall) of the 1953 NFL draft by the Baltimore Colts but chose to sign with the Ottawa Rough Riders instead. Over his twelve-year CFL career, he was recognized as one of the league's most versatile and accomplished linemen, earning All-Star honours at four different positions. He was named a CFL East All-Star seven times (1953, 1956, 1957, 1959–1962) and a CFL All-Star in 1962.
In the 1960 Grey Cup championship game, with Ottawa leading Edmonton 9–6, Vaughan recovered a fumbled punt and scored the only touchdown of his career, sealing the victory for the Rough Riders.
Awards and Honours
- 2× CFL's Outstanding Lineman Award (1956, 1957)
- Grey Cup champion (1960)
- 7× CFL East All-Star (1953, 1956, 1957, 1959–1962)
- CFL All-Star (1962)
- Inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame (Class of 1978)
- Voted 41st on TSN's list of the CFL's top 50 players
Personal Life
Vaughan married Lucile Wheeler, a Canadian alpine ski racer and double world champion (1958), Olympic bronze medalist (1956), and Lou Marsh Trophy winner, in 1960. The couple lived in Ottawa during his playing career and later moved to Knowlton, Quebec, in 1967. His son, Jake Vaughan, also played in the CFL for the Toronto Argonauts from 1987 to 1988.
Death
Kaye Vaughan died at his home in Knowlton, Quebec, on February 5, 2023, at the age of 91.
