The Montreal Concordes were a key part of Montreal Concordes football history, representing the city in the Canadian Football League (CFL) during the 1980s. Founded after the original Alouettes folded, the Concordes aimed to revive professional football in Montreal. Their brief yet impactful run added an important chapter to the CFL’s storied timeline.
Established
1982
City
Montreal
League History
1982 - 1986 / Canadian Football League
Team History
1982 - 1986 / Montreal Concordes
Nickname
Concordes - The Montreal Concordes are one of the most beloved teams in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Its nickname has a long and exciting history that dates back to its formation in 1974.
The team was initially named after its owner, Nelson Skalbania, who owned an Air Canada airline. He wanted a name representing his company's commitment to excellence and strength, so he chose "Concordes," French for "agreement." The Concorde jetliner symbolized speed and luxury, two qualities Skalbania believed his team should embody.
Montreal Concordes Origin
In 1982, the team changed ownership but kept its nickname, representing something special about Montreal: unity between English-speaking Canadians and French-speaking Canadians. The agreement part of their name reflected this sentiment perfectly; it showed how both sides could come together on a common ground despite language barriers or cultural differences. This idea resonated with fans across Quebec who embraced the Concordes as their own—an accurate representation of what it means to be Canadian!
As time passed, more people began associating “Concordes” with football rather than airplanes - thus making them synonymous with success within CFL fandom circles today! So while they may have started out representing aviation technology decades ago, they stand proudly at center stage, representing all things sports-related in our great nation!
Championship
Grey Cup 0
Stadium
1982 - 1986 / Olympic Stadium
Owner
1982 - 1986 / Charles Bronfman
- 1982
- 1987
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Concordes Team Formation
The CFL was long-prepared for the Alouettes’ demise. Among potential suitors for the troubled franchise was Montreal businessman and Montreal Expos founder Charles Bronfman. Bronfman had made it clear to the league that he would not deal with Skalbania, but would be willing to establish what would technically be an expansion team if the Alouettes ceased operations. On May 14, 1982, a day after the ... -
Concordes Demise
Off the field, financial losses mounted, the team’s attendance had dropped to under 10,000 a game, and the league’s presenting television sponsor (Carling O’Keefe brewery) dropping out prior to the 1987 season proved to be a death blow for the franchise. Bronfman made it clear he would not field a team for the 1987 season unless the club sold thousands ...
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* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Montreal Concordes History
The Montreal Concordes were a Canadian Football League (CFL) team that carried the legacy of Montreal Concordes football during the 1980s. The team was founded in 1982 after the original Montreal Alouettes franchise folded earlier that year. Owned by Charles Bronfman of the Montreal Expos, the Concordes were created to keep professional football alive in Montreal.
Playing their home games at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium, the Montreal Concordes football team represented a transitional era for the city’s CFL presence. Despite facing early struggles both financially and on the field, the franchise remained determined to bring stability to Canadian football in Quebec. The team was rebranded back to the Alouettes in 1986, officially closing the Montreal Concordes history chapter.
During their four seasons, the Montreal Concordes showcased talented players such as quarterback Steve Rogers, receiver Nick Arakgi, and running back David Overstreet. While the team didn’t achieve playoff success, it contributed greatly to the league’s continued growth in Eastern Canada and preserved Montreal’s connection to professional football during a challenging time for the CFL.
Concordes Achievements
Revival of Montreal’s CFL Legacy
One of the greatest achievements in Montreal Concordes history was their role in keeping Montreal Concordes football alive when the city risked losing its CFL team. Their establishment ensured that football fans in Quebec could continue supporting a home team, which later paved the way for the successful return of the Montreal Alouettes.
Contribution to CFL Expansion Stability
The Montreal Concordes football franchise also helped the CFL maintain stability during an uncertain era of expansion and financial pressure. Their short existence demonstrated Montreal’s commitment to the sport, preserving the fan culture and regional rivalries that remain vital to Canadian football today.
Even though the team only lasted a few seasons, the Montreal Concordes history symbolizes endurance, passion, and dedication—values that continue to define the CFL and its fans across Canada.
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history