- 2002
- 2007
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Renegades Team Formation
The Ottawa Renegades returned Canadian Football League action to Canada’s capital in 2002. Ottawa had been without a team since 1996 when the Ottawa Rough Riders folded. The logo chosen draws similarities to the logo used by the Rough Riders for much of their existence up until 1992. The Renegades played four seasons and never qualified for the playoffs. -
No Return to CFL
With the team losing $3.8 million in 2005, and the possibility of losing an additional $2.3 million to $5.8 million in 2006, the organization requested financial assistance from the CFL, which the league was not willing to provide. On March 22, 2006, Bernie Glieberman decided to stop funding the Renegades. While the CFL previously took over operations of the Toronto Argonauts and ...
History of the Renegades
The Ottawa Renegades were a Canadian Football League (CFL) team from 2002 to 2005. The team was based in Ottawa, Ontario, and had many passionate fans throughout the city. While their time in the CFL was short-lived, they impacted football history with some key players and accomplishments.
The Renegade's first season saw them finish 8-10 and make it to the playoffs for only the second time since returning professional football to Ottawa after a ten-year hiatus. They would go on to win their division semi-final game against Hamilton but lost heartbreakingly at home by one point against eventual Grey Cup champions Montreal Alouettes during the East Final match-up of the 2003 season. In 2004, despite having another successful regular season record of 9–8–1, they did not qualify for the postseason, mainly because Toronto Argonauts won the tiebreaker over them through points differential.
Despite failing to make it past Eastern Division Finals during both years under head coach Joe Paopao, there were some bright spots, such as future Hall Of Fame quarterback Kerry Joseph's 4th quarter heroics, which resulted in dramatic comeback wins versus Winnipeg Blue Bombers twice within same week span late September 2003 or running back Josh Ranek's historic performance where he ran for the single-game record 257 yards versus Saskatchewan Roughriders early August 2004. Unfortunately, these great moments weren’t enough as attendance started declining rapidly near the end of the 2004 campaign, leading an ownership group headed by Bernie Glieberman to decide to terminate the franchise following the conclusion 2005 CFL schedule leaving the loyal fan base heartbroken without any natural closure as far outcome playoff race went that year.
Renegades Products
Established
2002
City
Ottawa
League History
2002 - 2006 / Canadian Football League
Team History
2002 - 2006 / Ottawa Renegades
Nickname
Renegades - The Ottawa Renegades of the Canadian Football League (CFL) have a long and storied history, dating back to their formation in 2002. But what many fans may not know is that their nickname has an interesting origin story.
The team was originally called “the Rough Riders” after a famous cavalry unit from Canada's past – but this name was changed before they even took to the field for their first game. The reason? Another CFL team had already taken it – Saskatchewan's Roughriders! So, with time running out, the owners decided on “Renegades” as it reflected Ottawa's rebellious spirit and commitment to football excellence.
In addition, there were other reasons behind choosing such an edgy name: it would draw attention from potential sponsors, give them something unique to the market, and make sure that no other teams could copy them! And so far, these goals have been achieved - as evidenced by how well-known they are today amongst sports fans across Canada and beyond!
To further celebrate this rich heritage of theirs, every year since 2003, they've held special events like "Rally Day," where players dress up in old-fashioned military uniforms reminiscent of those worn by members of The Rideau Regiment during World War I - adding yet another layer onto this fascinating story behind one of our country's most beloved professional football teams.
Championship
Grey Cup 0
Stadium
2002 - 2006 / Frank Clair Stadium
Owner
2006 / Bernie Glieberman, Bill Smith and Brad Waters
2002 - 2005 / Bill Smith, Gillis, Kisma, Brad Waters and Baker
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.
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history
