The Ottawa Rough Riders hold a historic place in Canadian football, symbolizing tradition and pride. Known for their impact on Ottawa Rough Riders football, they played a defining role in the Ottawa Rough Riders CFL legacy. Their journey includes memorable championships, legendary players, and contributions that shaped football in Ottawa for generations.
Established
1876
City
Ottawa
League History
1958 - 1996 / Canadian Football League
Team History
1876 - 1996 / Ottawa Rough Riders
Nickname
Rough Riders - The Ottawa Rough Riders have been a staple of the Canadian Football League (CFL) since its establishment in 1876. As one of the oldest and most iconic teams in CFL history, it’s no surprise that they are also known for having one of the most unique nicknames. But where did this nickname come from?
Ottawa Rough Riders Origin
The origin story dates back to 1876 when two local businessmen, John Sweetland, and Harry Bayne, purchased an Ottawa-based rugby team called The Capital City Rugby Football Club. They renamed it “Ottawa Rough Riders” after an event during Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee Celebration on June 22nd, 1897 – a military parade down Rideau Street featuring members from various regiments riding horses through town. This was such a spectacle at the time that people started referring to these riders as “Rough Riders” due to their rough riding style!
This name stuck with them until 1940, when they briefly changed it to “Ottawa Senators” before reverting just three years after World War II. Since then, they have kept their original nickname which has become synonymous with Canadian football over time!
So there you have it – now you know how one of Canada's oldest sports franchises got its name: thanks to some daring horseback riders during Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee celebration in 1897! Whether or not you're a fan of The Ottawa Rough Riders doesn't matter; what matters is understanding why we still call them by this beloved moniker today and appreciating all those brave men who made sure we had something worth celebrating over 120 years ago!
Championship
Grey Cup 9
1976, 1973, 1969, 1968, 1960, 1951, 1940, 1926, 1925
Stadium
1908 - 1996 / Frank Clair Stadium
Owner
1996 / Canadian Football League
1995 - 1996 / Horn Chen
1994 - 1995 / Bruce Firestone
1991 - 1994 / Bernard Glieberman
1991 / Canadian Football League
1987 - 1991 / Limited Partnership of 27 businessmen
1977 - 1987 / Alan Waters
1969 - 1977 / David Loeb
1960 - 1969 / David Loeb and Unknown
1950 - 1960 / Sam Berger
1897 - 1950 / Community - Widely Held
- 1950
- 1951
- 1960 -1968 - 1969
- 1973 - 1976
- 1997
-
Rough Riders Team Formation
The Rough Riders were pioneers in international play in the 1950s. In 1950 and 1951, Ottawa hosted the New York Giants in exhibition games; the Giants won both times, and NFL-CFL matches would not be attempted again until 1959. In the first season of the CFL, the Ottawa Rough Riders and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats made history when they played the ... -
Grey Cup Champs 1951
The 39th Grey Cup was the Canadian Football League’s championship game of the 1951 season, played on November 24, 1951. The Ottawa Rough Riders defeated the Saskatchewan Roughriders 21 to 14 at Toronto’s Varsity Stadium before a crowd of 27,341 fans in the first Grey Cup match-up between the two similarly named teams. -
Grey Cup Champs 1960 -1968 – 1969
Grey Cup 1960 The 48th Grey Cup was the Canadian Football League’s (CFL) championship game of the 1960 season on November 26, 1960. The Ottawa Rough Riders defeated the Edmonton Eskimos 16 to 6 at Vancouver’s Empire Stadium before a crowd of 38,102 fans. Grey Cup 1968 56th Grey Cup was played November 30, 1968, and the Ottawa Rough Riders defeated the Calgary Stampeders 24 to 21 before 32,655 fans at Toronto’s Exhibition Stadium. Vic Washington’s 79-yard run is still ... -
Grey Cup Champs 1973 – 1976
Grey Cup 1973 The 61st Grey Cup game was played at Toronto’s CNE Stadium on November 25, 1973. The Ottawa Rough Riders defeated the Edmonton Eskimos before a crowd of 36,653. Grey Cup 1976 The 64th Grey Cup was played on November 28, 1976, at Exhibition Stadium in Toronto. The Ottawa Rough Riders defeated the Saskatchewan Roughriders 23-20 in what is considered one of the most thrilling Grey Cup games, featuring some of the most exciting plays in Grey Cup history. The attendance ... -
Rough Riders Fold
Following the 1996 season, years of poor ownership and mismanagement took a toll on the Rough Riders franchise that ultimately led to its folding after a storied 120 years. After the Rough Riders folded, the CFL moved its easternmost-West Division team, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, back to the East Division for a second time to take Ottawa’s place and to balance ...
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.
Ottawa Rough Riders History
The Ottawa Rough Riders hold one of the richest legacies in Canadian football, symbolizing tradition, resilience, and passion. Founded in 1876, the Ottawa Rough Riders football team was among the oldest professional sports franchises in North America. Over the years, they became a cornerstone of the Ottawa Rough Riders CFL, earning respect for their grit and consistent performances.
Throughout their long history, the Ottawa Rough Riders achieved remarkable success, capturing nine Grey Cup championships. They were also one of the original eight teams that helped form the CFL’s “Big Four,” which later evolved into the modern Ottawa Rough Riders CFL structure. This era defined the team as a powerhouse and helped shape Canadian football’s competitive spirit.
Under the leadership of legendary head coach Frank Clair, the Ottawa Rough Riders football team enjoyed one of its greatest periods in the 1970s. Between 1973 and 1975, they reached three consecutive Grey Cup finals, winning two of them. During that time, quarterback Tom Clements became a household name, earning his place in Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame for his remarkable contributions to the Ottawa Rough Riders CFL legacy.
Riders Achievements
However, financial instability and declining attendance took a toll on the franchise in the 1990s. Despite their competitive edge, the team folded in 1996 due to mounting financial struggles. The city of Ottawa attempted to revive Ottawa Rough Riders football in later years, but the team was officially disbanded by 2011, closing a chapter in CFL history that stretched over a century.
Nine-Time Grey Cup Champions
The Ottawa Rough Riders proudly claimed nine Grey Cup titles, with memorable victories in 1925, 1926, 1940, 1951, 1960, 1968, 1969, 1973, and 1976. These triumphs remain defining moments in Ottawa Rough Riders football history, showcasing their championship spirit and dominance within the Ottawa Rough Riders CFL. Their achievements continue to inspire fans and preserve their legendary status in Canadian sports history.
Retired Number
11 / Ron Stewart
12 / Russ Jackson
26 / Whit Tucker
40 / Bruno Bitkowski
60 / Jim Coode
62 / Moe Racine
70 / Bobby Simpson
71 / Gerry Organ
72 / Tony Golab
77 / Tony Gabriel
*Blue is this team’s history