Keys was an outstanding center and linebacker for the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football team in 1942 and, after a stint in the military (Marine Corps) in World War II, 1946 and '47.
Eagle "Buddy" Keys was inducted into the Western Kentucky University Athletic Hall of Fame (Football-Baseball '42, '46–48) in 1994.
He is best remembered as a player for his final game when he played on a broken leg in the Eskimos' 1954 Grey Cup triumph.
In total, he spent 16 seasons as a head coach in the Canadian Football League.
He retired from coaching after the 1975 season and was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1990.