Rueben Mayes, a Canadian former professional football player, built a strong foundation for his National Football League (NFL) career through his impressive college performance and his roots in Saskatchewan, Canada. Born on June 6, 1963, Mayes' journey to the NFL began long before he was drafted, starting with his high school achievements and culminating in a standout college career at Washington State University. His story is also intertwined with his Canadian heritage,
making him one of the few players from his region to reach the pinnacle of American football.
Mayes first gained recognition as a running back at North Battleford Comprehensive High School in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. In 1980, he led the NBCHS Vikings to an undefeated season and secured the SHSAA 3A championship title, showcasing his early talent and leadership. Beyond football, Mayes also demonstrated exceptional athletic ability in track and field. In 1981, he set a provincial record in the 100 meters at the SHSAA track and field event, a record that reportedly still stands today. These early accomplishments hinted at the athletic prowess that would define his future career.
Collegiate Excellence at Washington State
Mayes continued his football career at the collegiate level, playing for Washington State University in Pullman. During his time with the Washington State Cougars from 1982 to 1985, he distinguished himself as an exceptional running back. His performance earned him recognition as an All-American, a prestigious honor that highlights his status as one of the top college players in the nation. In 1984, Mayes finished tenth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy, an award given to the most outstanding player in college football, further underscoring his impact.
During his college career, Mayes set significant records for the Cougars. He established season and career records for rushing yards, accumulating 1,632 yards in a single season and a total of 3,519 career rushing yards. One of his most remarkable achievements was setting an NCAA record for the most rushing yards in a single game, with 357 yards against Oregon in 1984. This particular record stood as a Pacific-10 Conference record for over a quarter-century before being surpassed in 2012.
Post-College Recognition and Canadian Heritage
Mayes' legacy at Washington State University continued to be celebrated long after his playing days. In 1995, he was selected for the All-Time WSU Team by a group assembled by The Spokesman-Review. He received similar recognition in 1998 when he was again chosen for a comparable team by CougFan.com. His contributions to college football were permanently honored on May 1, 2008, when he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. In August 2017, a group selected by the Pac-12 Network named him the best player from Washington State when ranking the top 12 players from the university.
Rueben Mayes is also notable for his Canadian background. He is one of only three players from the Canadian region of Saskatchewan to have played in the NFL, alongside Jon Ryan and Arnie Weinmeister. This distinction highlights the rarity of his achievement and his role in representing his home province on a national stage. His younger sister, Lesa Mayes-Stringer, also achieved athletic success as a world-class bobsledder, indicating a family legacy of athletic excellence.
