The Toronto Argonauts history stands as one of the most remarkable legacies in Canadian football. As part of the CFL Toronto Argonauts, the team’s journey includes championships, memorable games, and outstanding Toronto Argonauts players who shaped its success. Their dedication, teamwork, and passion have made the franchise a symbol of excellence across the league’s history.
Established
1873
City
Toronto
League History
1958 – Present / Canadian Football League
Team History
1873 - Present / Toronto Argonauts
Nickname
Argonauts - The Toronto Argonauts, one of the most iconic teams in the Canadian Football League (CFL), have a unique and exciting history behind their nickname. The team was originally founded in 1873 by amateur athletes who called themselves “the Argonauts” after an ancient Greek mythological story about Jason and his crew sailing to find the Golden Fleece.
Toronto Argonauts Origin
The original members chose this name because they felt it represented their journey as they sought excellence on and off the field, just like Jason had done centuries before them. This adventurous spirit has been embodied by all subsequent generations of players who have proudly worn an Argos uniform for more than 140 years now!
In addition to its mythical roots, there are other theories behind Toronto Argonauts history about why "Argonaut" was chosen as Toronto's football team moniker: some suggest that it may be related to local shipbuilding industries or even tied to Canada’s rich maritime heritage; others believe that since many early players were from Scotland or Ireland where Gaelic is spoken – argonaut translates roughly into “seafarer” which could explain why this particular word was selected for use with such enthusiasm back then too!
Whatever its origin, though - one thing is sure: today, when you think about CFL football in Canada - you can't help but think about our beloved hometown heroes known affectionately as "the Double Blue." Long live The Argoooooooos!!!
Championship
Grey Cup 19
2024, 2022, 2017, 2012, 2004, 1997, 1996, 1991, 1983, 1952, 1950, 1947, 1946, 1945, 1938, 1937, 1933, 1921, 1914
Stadium
2016 - Present / BMO Field
1989 - 2015 / Rogers Centre
1959 - 1988 / Exhibition Stadium
1916 - 1958 / Varsity Stadium
1898–1907 / Varsity Athletic Grounds
1874–1897, 1908–1915 / Rosedale Field
Owner
2018 - Present / Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
2015 - 2018 / BCE/Kilmer Group
2010 - 2015 / David Braley
2003 - 2010 / Howard Sokolowski and David Cynamon
2003 / Canadian Football League
1999 - 2003 / Sherwood Schwarz
1995 - 1999 / Labatt Bewery of Canada
1994 - 1995 / TSN Enterprises
1991 - 1994 / Bruce McNall, John Candy, Wayne Gretzky
1988 - 1991 / Harry Ornest, Carling O'Keefe, Carling O'Keefe Ltd.
1979 - 1988 / Carling O'Keefe Ltd.
1976 - 1979 / Bill Hodgson and Carling O'Keefe Ltd.
1974 - 1976 / Bill Hodgson
1971 - 1974 / Baton Broadcasting Ltd. and Others
1960 - 1971 / John Bassett, Charlie Burns and Len Lumbers
1956 - 1960 / John Bassett, Charlie Burns and Eric Cradock
1873 - 1956 / Community - Widely Held
- 1953
- 1983
- 1991 to 1997
- 2004 to 2017
- 2022
- 2024
-
Argonauts Team Formation
Based in Toronto, Ontario, the team was founded in 1873 and is the oldest existing professional sports team in North America still using its original name, and they are the oldest surviving team in both the modern-day CFL and East Division. The team’s origins date back to a modified version of rugby football that emerged in North America in the ... -
Grey Cup Champs 1983
The 71st Grey Cup was the 1983 Canadian Football League championship game played at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver between the Toronto Argonauts and hometown BC Lions. The Argos narrowly defeated the Lions 18-17, claiming their first Grey Cup victory in 31 years. -
Grey Cup Champs 1991 – 1997
Grey Cup 1991 The 79th Grey Cup was the 1991 Canadian Football League championship game played between the Toronto Argonauts and the Calgary Stampeders at Winnipeg Stadium in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Argonauts defeated the Stampeders 36-21 in an entertaining game. Grey Cup 1996 The 84th Grey Cup, also known as The Snow Bowl, was the 1996 Grey Cup Canadian Football League championship game played between the Toronto Argonauts and the Edmonton Eskimos ... -
Grey Cup Champs 2004 – 2017
Grey Cup 2004 The 92nd Grey Cup game took place on November 21, 2004, at Frank Clair Stadium in Ottawa, Ontario. The game decided the championship of the 2004 Canadian Football League season. The Toronto Argonauts defeated the BC Lions 27-19. This is the first Grey Cup game to be played on the next-generation FieldTurf surface. Grey Cup 2012 The 100th Grey Cup was a Canadian football game between the East Division champion Toronto Argonauts and the West Division champion Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian ... -
ARGONAUTS UPSET WINNIPEG: WIN 18th (CFL) GREY CUP
The Toronto Argonauts secured their 18th Grey Cup championship with a stunning 24-23 upset over the heavily favored Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Regina. Preventing Winnipeg’s three-peat, the victory hinged on a phenomenal defensive effort. Linebacker Hénoc Muamba earned both Grey Cup MVP and Most Outstanding Canadian honours for his clutch fourth-quarter interception of Zach Collaros. The win was sealed by ... -
TORONTO CLAIMS 19TH GREY CUP (CFL) TITLE
The Toronto Argonauts dramatically defeated the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 41-24 in the 111th Grey Cup, securing a CFL-record 19th championship and denying Winnipeg a third straight title. Backup QB Nick Arbuckle was named MVP after stepping in for an injured Chad Kelly, leading a 24-point fourth-quarter surge. The victory was defined by the Argos’ defense, which forced five turnovers, including ...
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.
Toronto Argonauts History
The Toronto Argonauts history is one of the most remarkable legacies in Canadian football. Founded in 1873, the CFL Toronto Argonauts are North America’s oldest professional sports franchise still operating under its original name. The team has proudly captured seventeen Grey Cup championships, the most by any CFL or NFL organization, proving its dominance and consistency through the decades.
In 1907, the Toronto Argonauts became one of the four founding members of the Interprovincial Rugby Football Union (IRFU). This league would eventually evolve into what is now the CFL East Division, featuring long-standing rivals like the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Montreal Alouettes. The CFL Toronto Argonauts quickly became a cornerstone of Canadian football, inspiring fans with unforgettable performances in regular-season battles and playoff runs that often culminated in thrilling Grey Cup victories.
The team’s identity is symbolized by its traditional double blue uniforms — light and navy blue — paired with helmets featuring the iconic “boat logo,” representing Toronto’s maritime heritage. This logo reflects the city’s spirit and pays tribute to the sailors who founded the original club in 1873. Over the decades, Toronto Argonauts players have represented excellence, teamwork, and dedication both on and off the field.
Legends such as Joe Krol, Michael “Pinball” Clemons, and Damon Allen have all left lasting marks on the Toronto Argonauts history. Krol became a Hall of Fame quarterback who led the team through some of its most successful years. Clemons, known for his charisma and leadership, transitioned from player to head coach and later became General Manager, shaping the modern CFL Toronto Argonauts era. Damon Allen, the CFL’s all-time passing leader, showcased longevity and brilliance, inspiring a new generation of Toronto Argonauts players.
Argonauts Achievements
Throughout their history, the Toronto Argonauts have endured many challenges, from changing league structures to shifts in ownership and fan expectations. Yet, their resilience and passion have kept them among the elite of the CFL. The franchise remains a vital part of Toronto’s sports culture, uniting fans from every generation under one banner — the proud blue of the Argos.
Seventeenth Grey Cup Victory (2022)
One of the most significant achievements in the Toronto Argonauts history came in 2022, when they secured their seventeenth Grey Cup title. The CFL Toronto Argonauts defeated the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in a thrilling final that showcased the team’s depth, defense, and veteran leadership. The victory reaffirmed the franchise’s position as the most successful team in CFL history and celebrated the continued excellence of Toronto Argonauts players who carry forward a legacy built over a century.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
22 / Dick Shatto
31 / Michael "Pinball" Clemons
55 / Joe Krol
60 / Danny Nykoluk
*Blue is this team’s history