During an emotional ceremony Thursday, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers honoured longtime head coach Bud Brant with a statue outside the Investors Group Field.

Grant is a legend with the Bombers, coaching the team to four Grey Cups in five years.

Grant raved about players like Ken Ploen.

He coached the Bombers from 1957 until 1966 and under his guidance, led them to six Grey Cup appearances, winning four times.

"It's a great tribute," Grant, 87, said at the unveiling of the bronze statue that shows him in the trademark tan raincoat he wore to so many Bomber games.

"Most statues of this variety are (erected) when people are dead. I'm not dead yet. It's a pleasure to be here."

- with files from The Canadian Press