When Bobby Ackles became the B.C. Lions' original water boy, he probably never dreamed that he would lead the team to a Grey Cup victory over 50 years later. From his earliest days with the team to becoming its general manager and now president, Ackles has demonstrated a commitment and dedication to football in the CFL, NFL and XFL. In this engaging personal memoir, Ackles takes the reader through the growing and changing world of football, both from a Canadian and an American perspective, where he lays down the differences between the two sport cultures, and reveals the dynamics of creating a winning team. It's the story of his passion, his drive, and his rise from a humble beginning to becoming one of football's most respected executives.

Bobby Ackles is President and CEO of the BC Lions Football Club and has been an integral part of the team for over 50 years. From his earliest days as the team’s first water boy, Bob’s star rose quickly. He ascended through the ranks to become Director of Football Development, Assistant General Manager, and was the Lions General Manager for 15 years. After 34 years with the Lions, Ackles joined the Dallas Cowboys as Vice President of Pro Personnel and then Vice President of Player Personnel. He has also been an executive with the Phoenix Cardinals, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Miami Dolphins of the NFL, as well as Vice President and General Manager of the Las Vegas Outlaws. Ackles is a member of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame and the BC Sports Hall of Fame. He has been honoured with the Jack Diamond Award by the Jewish Community Centre as Sportsman of the Year and is a Schenley Award of Excellence winner. He sits on the board of directors for the Vancouver YMCA. Bob and his wife, Kay, live in Vancouver.

Bob Ackles' profile page

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