The Edmonton Eskimos history stands as one of the most iconic stories in Canadian football. As a proud part of the Edmonton Eskimos CFL legacy, the team built a remarkable Edmonton Eskimos record through decades of success, legendary players, and unforgettable Grey Cup victories that continue to inspire fans and define Canadian football excellence.
Established
1949
City
Edmonton
League History
1958 – Present / Canadian Football League
Team History
2021 - Present / Edmonton Elks
2021 / Edmonton Football Team
1949 - 2020 / Edmonton Eskimo
Nickname
Eskimos - The Edmonton Eskimos are one of the most beloved teams in the Canadian Football League (CFL). But did you know that their nickname has an interesting origin story?
Edmonton Eskimos Origin
It all began in 1895 when a local sports club was founded. The team, originally called “the Esquimaux” after the native Inuit people who lived nearby, quickly became popular with fans and changed its name to “the Edmonton Eskimos” shortly after that.
This change is unclear; some say it was due to a misunderstanding about the spelling "Esquimaux," while others believe it may have been because of cultural sensitivity towards indigenous peoples at that time. Whatever the case, there's no denying that this unique moniker has become synonymous with football excellence over the years!
Over 120 seasons later and three Grey Cup championships under their belt, they continue to bring excitement and joy into our lives every game day - proving once again why they're one of Canada's favorite teams! Whether you call them by their original name or prefer 'Edmonton Eskies,' we can all agree: They will always hold a special place in our hearts as true champions on and off the field. Learn more about Edmonton Eskimos History below!
Championship
Grey Cup 14
2015, 2005, 2003, 1993, 1987, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978, 1975, 1956, 1955, 1954
Stadium
1978 - Present / The Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium
1949 - 1978 / Clarke Stadium
Owner
1949 - Present / Community - Widely Held
- 1949
- 2015
- 1954 - 1955 - 1956 - 1975
- 1978 - 1979 - 1980 - 1981 - 1982
- 1987 - 1993 - 2003 - 2005
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Eskimos Team Formation
Edmonton played its first series of organized games with the formation of the Alberta Rugby Football Union in 1895. In 1897 the name Esquimaux was adopted. In 1910 the club was officially named the Edmonton Eskimos, with the current incarnation beginning play in 1949. Since 1978 the Eskimos have played their home games in The Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium. ... -
Grey Cup Champs 2015
The 103rd Grey Cup was a Canadian football game that was played on November 29, 2015, between the East Division champion Ottawa Redblacks and the West Division champion Edmonton Eskimos to decide the Canadian Football League (CFL) championship for the 2015 season. The game was played at Investors Group Field in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Shaw Communications was the presenting sponsor of ... -
Grey Cups Champs 1954 – 1955 – 1956 – 1975
Grey Cup 1954 The 42nd Grey Cup football game was played on November 27, 1954, before a full house (27,321 in attendance) at Varsity Stadium Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The underdog Edmonton Eskimos won a contest over the Montreal Alouettes by the score of 26 to 25. The game, replete with record performances and a touch of controversy, is considered one of the finest Grey Cup games ... -
Grey Cup Champs 1978 – 1979 – 1980 – 1981 – 1982
Grey Cup 1978 The 66th Grey Cup was played on November 26, 1978, before 54,695 fans at Exhibition Stadium in Toronto. The Edmonton Eskimos defeated the Montreal Alouettes in a close game, 20-13. Grey Cup 1979 The 67th Grey Cup was played on November 25, 1979, before 65,113 fans at Olympic Stadium in Montreal. The Edmonton Eskimos defeated the Montreal ... -
Grey Cup Champs 1987 – 1993 – 2003 – 2005
Grey Cup 1987 The 75th Grey Cup was the 1987 Canadian Football League championship game that was played at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, between the Edmonton Eskimos and the Toronto Argonauts. The Eskimos defeated the Argonauts 38-36, on Jerry Kauric’s last-second field goal. Grey Cup 1993 The 81st Grey Cup was the 1993 Canadian Football League championship game played between the Edmonton Eskimos and the Winnipeg Blue ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Edmonton Eskimos History
The Edmonton Eskimos are one of the most successful and storied franchises in Canadian Football League (CFL) history. Founded in 1949, this proud Edmonton football team quickly became a powerhouse within the league. With a remarkable record of 14 Grey Cup victories, the Edmonton Eskimos CFL legacy stands as one of the most dominant in Canadian sports. Their strong commitment to excellence, teamwork, and community has helped shape the Edmonton Eskimos record over decades of competition.
Since joining the Western Interprovincial Football Union (WIFU) in 1950, the Edmonton Eskimos have consistently been a force in the CFL. They’ve earned 15 division titles and appeared in 27 Grey Cup finals, capturing 14 of them. Their five consecutive Grey Cup championships from 1978 to 1982 remain one of the greatest achievements in Edmonton Eskimos history, a record that continues to symbolize their golden era of dominance.
The franchise’s success extends far beyond the field. The Edmonton football club has developed many Hall of Fame players, including Warren Moon, Ricky Ray, and Normie Kwong, who each left a lasting mark on both the team and the Edmonton Eskimos CFL legacy. These legends helped build the foundation of a franchise that represents dedication, pride, and resilience in every game.
Eskimos Achievements
The Edmonton Eskimos record also reflects the unwavering support of their fans. The team’s loyal following at Commonwealth Stadium has been one of the largest in the league, creating an electrifying atmosphere on game days. Fans proudly wear the team’s green and gold, continuing traditions that unite generations across Alberta and beyond.
Five Straight Grey Cup Wins (1978–1982)
Among the most celebrated moments in Edmonton Eskimos history is their incredible run of five consecutive Grey Cup victories from 1978 to 1982. Led by legendary players such as Warren Moon and coached by Hugh Campbell, this era defined the Edmonton football club as a dynasty in the Edmonton Eskimos CFL world. This unmatched record remains a benchmark for success in professional Canadian football.
The Edmonton Eskimos continue to symbolize strength, passion, and excellence. Their historic accomplishments and deep community involvement ensure that the Edmonton Eskimos record remains an enduring part of Canadian sports heritage.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history