Best-ever debates can’t be objective. 

Is it Bobby Orr or Wayne Gretzky or Gordie Howe? 

Well, Ricky Ray’s retirement from the CFL brought back the debate of greatest quarterbacks ever and where Ray stands among peers and those who came before him. 

You have to weigh in eras, longevity, stats, championships and awards.  And it’s subjective on how each of those categories mould your opinion. 

CFL observers’ lists had Ray ranked anywhere from No.  1 through 10.  He ticks all the boxes: Most accurate passer ever, four championships, fourth all-time in passing yards and a 16-year career. 

Nobody will be better than Doug Flutie in my mind.  Warren Moon didn’t have a long career in the CFL but his impact is undeniable and then you have Anthony Calvillo, Ray, Ron Lancaster, Henry Burris, Matt Dunigan, Jackie Parker, Sam Etcheverry, Damon Allen, Russ Jackson and others who sneak into the debate. 

But with the game on the line in the final minutes, there weren’t many better than Ricky Ray. 

He’s in my top three — but I’m sure you’ll disagree, which make these debates so much fun.