Slotback Terry Vaughn did two things extremely well in the CFL:
Despite all of his accomplishments, Vaughn was overshadowed in Calgary by star receiver Allen Pitts and in Edmonton by running back Mike Pringle’s quest to become the CFL’s all-time leading rusher.
“He doesn’t get as much publicity or credit as he deserves,” former Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiver and current TSN analyst Milt Stegall once said about Vaughn.
A free-agent signing with the Eskimos on March 25, 1999, after playing his first four seasons with the provincial rival Stampeders, he had his four best seasons wearing Green and Gold, compiling a career-high 106 receptions and 1,558 yards in 2003, scoring a career-best 11 touchdowns in 1999 and setting a team single-game record with 275 yards on 10 catches on Aug. 13, 1999.
A three-time CFL All-Star, Vaughn was an intelligent receiver who played both slotback and wide receiver. He relied upon his quickness, sharp routes and reliable hands during six seasons in Edmonton (1999-2004) to become one of the Green and Gold’s all-time leading receivers with 545 catches (second overall to Brian Kelly), 7,681 receiving yards (third behind Kelly and Fred Stamps) and 40 TDs. Of course, he also has the Eskimos record with six consecutive 1,000-yard performances.
“He was something special,” former Esks Head Coach and CFL Hall-of-Famer Ron Lancaster said about Vaughn in 2006. “He was something to watch.”
Vaughn, who opened a sports bar and lounge in downtown Edmonton while playing with the Eskimos, also contributed on special teams, mostly early in his career with Calgary, but he still had 21 punt returns for 222 yards and seven kickoff returns for 144 yards with Edmonton in 2000.
He was inducted into the CFL Hall of Fame in 2011.