The Montreal Alouettes football team holds a special place in Canadian football, known for their remarkable success in the Montreal Alouettes CFL. Throughout the Montreal Alouettes history, the team has showcased outstanding talent, thrilling fans with unforgettable moments, championship victories, and legendary players who have helped shape one of the most iconic franchises in CFL history.
Established
1946
City
Montreal
League History
1958 – Present / Canadian Football League
Team History
1946 - Present / Montreal Alouettes
Nickname
Alouette - The Montreal Alouettes are a beloved Canadian Football League (CFL) team, and their name has a fascinating history. The original Alouettes were founded in 1946 as part of the Interprovincial Rugby Football Union, which later became the CFL.
Montreal Alouettes Origin
At first, they were known as "Montreal," but this was changed to "Alouettes" after a French-language newspaper ran a contest to find them a new nickname. The winning entry came from then-Governor General Georges Vanier's wife, Pauline, who suggested it because she thought Alouette - meaning lark or skylark - was an appropriate symbol for Canada’s national bird and represented freedom and flight.
This new moniker stuck with the team when it joined the CFL in 1958, becoming one of its most recognizable names alongside other legendary teams like the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Calgary Stampeders. Even today, fans continue to show their support by wearing jerseys bearing “Les Glorieux” – another term for Montréal's football club! It is clear that, even though much time has passed since its inception, Les Alouette remains close to the hearts of many sports enthusiasts across Canada! Explore more about the Montreal Alouettes' history below!
Championship
Grey Cup 8
2023, 2010, 2009, 2002, 1977, 1974, 1970, 1949
Stadium
1947 - 1967, 1972, 1998 - Present / Percival Molson Memorial Stadium
1976 - 1986, 1996 - 1998 / Olympic Stadium
1968 - 1971, 1973 - 1976 / Autostade
1946 - 1953 / Delorimier Stadium
Owner
1997 - Present / Robert Wetenhall
1996 - 1997 / Jim Speros and Michael Gelfand
1994 - 1996 / Jim Speros
1946 - 1993 / Community - Widely Held
- 1946
- 1949 - 1970 - 1974 - 1977
- 1981
- 1996
- 2002 - 2009 - 2010
- 2023
-
Alouettes Team Formation
Canadian football has a long history in Montreal, dating to the 1850s. The Alouettes were first formed in 1946 by Canadian Football Hall of Famer Lew Hayman along with businessmen Eric Cradock and Léo Dandurand. They named themselves after “Alouette”, a work song about plucking the feathers from a skylark, which had become a symbol of the Québécois. The origin of the team’s name also comes from the 425 Tactical Fighter ... -
Grey Cups Champs 1949 – 1970 – 1974 – 1977
Grey Cup 1949 The 37th Grey Cup was played on November 26, 1949, before 20,087 fans at Varsity Stadium at Toronto. Montreal Alouettes defeated Calgary Stampeders 28-15. Though teams from Montreal had won two Grey Cups, this was the first appearance and victory for the Montreal Alouettes franchise. Grey Cup 1970 The 58th Grey Cup was played on November 28, 1970, before 32,669 fans at CNE Stadium in Toronto. The Montreal Alouettes defeated the ... -
End of the Original Alouettes
Skalbania was reported late in 1981 to be selling to oil magnate Pat Bowlen, who would later buy the NFL’s Denver Broncos in 1984. Later in 1981, NFL coach George Allen obtained an option to purchase 51% of the club and was named Alouettes’ president. While holding both the option and the post, Allen was surprised by Skalbania arranging a ... -
Alouettes Rebirth
4In 1997, Speros (owner of the Baltimore Stallions) sold the team to developer and investor Robert Wetenhall, who still owns the team today. Smith stepped down as league commissioner and became president of the Alouettes. The revived Alouettes franchise played their first two seasons at Olympic Stadium, but attendance in the cavernous domed stadium was very poor at first. The ... -
Grey Cup Champs 2002 – 2009 – 2010
Grey Cup 2002 The 90th Grey Cup was the 2002 Canadian Football League championship game played between the Edmonton Eskimos and the Montreal Alouettes on November 24 at Commonwealth Stadium, in Edmonton, Alberta. The Alouettes defeated the Eskimos 25-16 in the first all-Canadian CFL championship game to feature the host team since 1983. It was Don Matthews’ fifth Grey Cup ... -
MONTREAL RALLIES FOR (CFL) GREY CUP-2023
The Montreal Alouettes secured a dramatic upset victory in the 110th Grey Cup on November 19, 2023, defeating the heavily favored Winnipeg Blue Bombers 28-24 in Hamilton, Ontario. The Alouettes rallied from a 17-7 halftime deficit to claim their first championship since 2010. Quarterback Cody Fajardo, who was named the game’s Most Valuable Player, orchestrated a stunning final drive. He ...
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.
Montreal Alouettes History
The Montreal Alouettes football team is one of the most iconic franchises in the Montreal Alouettes CFL. Established in 1946 and based in Montreal, Quebec, the team has played a major role in shaping Montreal Alouettes history. Over the decades, they have captured nine Grey Cup championships, tying them for second all-time with the Edmonton Elks, trailing only the Toronto Argonauts.
The Montreal Alouettes football team has been home to several CFL legends, including Sam Etcheverry and Doug Flutie, both of whom earned a place in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. Their influence on the Montreal Alouettes CFL remains a cornerstone of the team’s proud legacy. The Alouettes’ ability to rebuild and compete year after year has solidified their place as one of the league’s most respected teams.
The passionate fans of Montreal have always stood behind their team, making the Montreal Alouettes football team a symbol of pride and resilience. Whether winning championships or enduring tough seasons, their loyal supporters have remained devoted to the Montreal Alouettes CFL, filling stadiums and creating one of the best atmospheres in Canadian football.
Alouettes Achievements
Today, the Alouettes continue to make Montreal Alouettes history at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium, located near downtown Montreal. The stadium comes alive every game day as fans unite to cheer for their team — especially stars like Vernon Adams Jr., Eugene Lewis, and William Stanback, who have carried the franchise’s competitive spirit into the modern era.
Grey Cup Championships
Among their many achievements, the Montreal Alouettes football team’s nine Grey Cup victories stand out as their greatest accomplishment. These wins, earned across different eras, represent the dedication and determination that define the Montreal Alouettes CFL legacy — one that continues to inspire new generations of fans and players alike.
Retired Number
13 / Anthony Calvillo
27 / Mike Pringle
28 / George Dixon
56 / Herb Trawick
63 / Pierre Desjardins
74 / Peter Dalla Riva
75 / Hal Patterson
77 / Junior Ah You
78 / Virgil Wagner
86 / Ben Cahoon
92 / Sam Etcheverry
*Blue is this team’s history