A native of Winnipeg, Janzen joined his hometown Blue Bombers in 1959 and, with a league-leading 499 punt return yards, was winner of the Dr. Beattie Martin Trophy for Canadian rookie of the year in the west.

Janzen later became coach of the University of Manitoba football team, leading the Bisons to back-to-back Vanier Cup championships in 1969 and 1970, the first time this was ever accomplished.

[1][2] At the age of 19, Janzen joined the local Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League (CFL), skipping college.

[1] Janzen ended up playing three more seasons for the Blue Bombers, retiring in 1966 to accept a position in the athletic department at the University of Manitoba.

He also gave service to United Way, the Provincial Council on Youth Crime, St. Boniface Hospital, Manitoba Boxing Commission, and CHUM Radio.

[12] Janzen received numerous honors and accolades, among these the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, honorary citizen of Winnipeg, Order of the Buffalo Hunt-Achievement Award, Builder Award for Outstanding Dedication and Promotion of Physical Education for the Youth of Manitoba, honorary membership in the Manitoba Teacher's Society, and induction to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Hall of Fame in 1989.