Ottawa Redblacks

Franchise History and Establishment

The Ottawa Redblacks franchise was born from a prolonged effort to restore CFL football to the nation's capital after the collapse of the Ottawa Renegades following the 2005 season. On March 25, 2008, a group led by Ottawa 67's owner Jeff Hunt was awarded a conditional franchise with the intent to begin play in 2010. This plan was derailed by significant structural issues discovered at Frank Clair Stadium, requiring the demolition of its south stands and a complete stadium rebuild. Legal challenges and municipal debates over the redevelopment of Lansdowne Park further delayed the project, pushing the team's debut back multiple times. A city council vote on November 16, 2009, approved the Lansdowne redevelopment plan by a 15-9 margin, securing the franchise's future. Final political approval came on October 10, 2012, with a 21-3 council vote, allowing construction on TD Place Stadium to proceed with a target completion for the 2014 CFL season.

Football operations commenced in 2013 with the hiring of general manager Marcel Desjardins on January 30. Desjardins quickly built his front office, adding Brock Sunderland as assistant general manager later that spring. The crucial appointment of head coach Rick Campbell followed on December 6, 2013, bringing a pedigree as the son of CFL legend Hugh Campbell. The league granted the new club special draft privileges a year early, allowing it to select four NCAA junior redshirts in the 2013 CFL Draft. The formal construction of the inaugural roster was achieved through the 2013 CFL Expansion Draft on December 16, where the Redblacks selected 24 players from the existing eight CFL teams, comprising eight import and 16 non-import athletes.

On-Field Performance and Seasons

The Ottawa Redblacks played their first regular-season game on July 3, 2014, on the road against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Despite a promising start with touchdowns on their first three possessions, the team lost 36-28. The franchise secured its first victory just over two weeks later, on July 18, defeating the Toronto Argonauts 18-17 in the home opener at the newly renovated TD Place Stadium. As is common for expansion teams, the Redblacks struggled throughout their debut campaign, finishing with a league-worst 2-16 record. The team's fortunes transformed dramatically in its second season in 2015. With an improved offence, Ottawa won eight of its final ten games to finish atop the East Division with a 12-6 record, clinching a first-round playoff bye. The 2015 playoff run saw the Redblacks defeat the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 35-28 in the East Final, advancing to the 103rd Grey Cup where they fell 26-20 to the Edmonton Eskimos. The following season, the team posted an 8-9-1 record but still won the weak East Division, earning a bye to the East Final where they faced the crossover Edmonton Eskimos, winning 35-23. After a 2017 season where they finished 8-9-1 and lost in the East semifinal, the Redblacks returned to the Grey Cup in 2018 by winning the East Division and defeating Hamilton in the East Final, only to lose to the Calgary Stampeders in the championship game. The 2019 season was a major downturn, as the team finished with a 3-15 record, leading to the mutual parting with head coach Rick Campbell.

Team Identity and Name Selection

The process of naming the new Ottawa franchise involved significant public engagement and historical consideration. Initially, ownership hoped to revive the storied Rough Riders name and successfully acquired the associated intellectual properties from former owner Horn Chen in July 2010. However, due to objections from the Saskatchewan Roughriders franchise, the name was ultimately not reused. In December 2012, the CFL opened a six-day public vote on a dedicated website, offering several potential names. After focus groups and speculation, the ownership group filed for copyright protection for the name Redblacks and its French equivalent, Rouge et Noir, in May 2013. The name and logo were officially unveiled on June 8, 2013. The team's logo is an italicized, modernized version of the block R that adorned the Ottawa Rough Riders' helmets from 1975 to 1991, set within a black saw blade outline with red accents. The uniform design features predominantly black home jerseys with white numbers and red trim, and white road jerseys with red numbers and black trim. For historical record-keeping purposes, the CFL recognizes a continuous Ottawa football entity dating to 1876, encompassing the Rough Riders, Renegades, and Redblacks, with acknowledged periods of non-participation from 1997 to 2001 and 2006 to 2013.

Stadium and Community Role

The Ottawa Redblacks' home is TD Place Stadium, located within the revitalized Lansdowne Park precinct along the Rideau Canal. The stadium's redevelopment was a central and contentious part of the franchise's revival, involving extensive public debate and a municipal partnership. The venue opened in time for the 2014 season after the demolition and reconstruction of both the north and south stands. TD Place Stadium also hosts other major events, including the 2016 Grey Cup which the Redblacks played in and won as the host city. The stadium's location and the broader Lansdowne redevelopment, which includes retail and residential spaces, have made the Redblacks a catalyst for urban renewal in the Glebe neighbourhood. The team has established deep community ties through various outreach programs and its game-day atmosphere. The franchise honours Ottawa's football history through its Wall of Honour at the stadium, which initially displayed all ten jersey numbers retired by the Ottawa Rough Riders. The team has stated it will not retire additional numbers due to positional number limitations. Notable individual additions to the Wall include quarterback Henry Burris, added in 2017, and lineman Kaye Vaughan, added in 2019. The organization also runs a junior cheer and dance program for youth aged six to 16, extending its community engagement beyond the professional squad.

Mascot and Game-Day Entertainment

The Ottawa Redblacks' official mascot is a lumberjack named Big Joe, originally revealed as Big Joe Mufferaw on March 28, 2014. The name was chosen from online suggestions, referencing a folk legend popularized by Ottawa storyteller Bernie Bedore and singer Stompin' Tom Connors. After some public criticism of the Mufferaw name, the team announced on March 31, 2014, that the mascot would simply be called Big Joe or Grand Jos in French. Big Joe serves as a high-energy presence at home games, engaging with fans and participating in promotions and community events throughout the Ottawa region. Game-day entertainment is significantly enhanced by the Ottawa Redblacks Cheer and Dance Team, which debuted at the franchise's first home game on July 17, 2014. The program is co-ed and consists of two spirit teams: a 25-member cheerleading squad specializing in stunts and acrobatics, and a 25-member female dance team performing during game stoppages. The program directors are Lisa Aucoin and Kenny Feeley, with Melany Morrison serving as the dance team's head coach. Members, aged 18 to 35, participate in pregame shows, halftime performances, and numerous community and charity appearances throughout the year.

• The mascot Big Joe was introduced in March 2014.
• The cheer and dance team debuted on July 17, 2014.
• The program includes 25 cheerleaders and 25 dancers.
• A junior program for ages 6-16 offers four weeks of instruction.
• Program directors are Lisa Aucoin and Kenny Feeley.
• The dance team head coach is Melany Morrison.

Rivalries and League Position

The Ottawa Redblacks have cultivated several rivalries within the CFL, both traditional and newly competitive. Their primary and historic rivalry is with the Montreal Alouettes, rooted in geographic proximity and frequent meetings, often in the Labour Day Classic. This matchup is part of the broader East Division rivalry that also includes the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Toronto Argonauts. Despite being in different divisions, the Calgary Stampeders have emerged as a significant rival for the Redblacks due to their memorable championship clashes. The two teams met in the Grey Cup in both 2016 and 2018, with each winning one title, creating a compelling cross-divisional narrative. Within the East Division, the Redblacks' rapid success created intense playoff battles with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, whom they defeated in the 2015 and 2018 East Finals. The team's on-field identity has been defined by periods of remarkable contention, including three East Division titles in their first five seasons of play, followed by a steep rebuild. The franchise's management has seen notable changes, with the departure of founding general manager Marcel Desjardins in October 2021 following several losing seasons, and the hiring of head coach Paul LaPolice in December 2019 after Rick Campbell's exit.

Franchise Leadership and Key Figures

The Ottawa Redblacks were brought to life by an ownership consortium known as Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG), spearheaded by Jeff Hunt. Key football operations were established by general manager Marcel Desjardins and head coach Rick Campbell, who built the team from the ground up and led it to its greatest early successes. Following the 2019 season, the organization hired Paul LaPolice, the former offensive coordinator for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and a one-time head coach in Winnipeg, to lead the team. On the field, several players became synonymous with the Redblacks' rise. Quarterback Henry Burris, who joined the team in 2014, was instrumental in the 2015 and 2016 campaigns, winning the CFL's Most Outstanding Player award in 2015 and leading the team to the 2016 Grey Cup victory, after which he was added to the team's Wall of Honour. Other key contributors during the championship era included receivers Greg Ellingson and Brad Sinopoli, and running back Kienan LaFrance. The franchise's commitment to honouring Ottawa's football past is demonstrated by its immediate retirement of the ten numbers previously retired by the Ottawa Rough Riders, ensuring a tangible link to the city's rich football history.

• Founding owner: Jeff Hunt (OSEG).
• First GM: Marcel Desjardins (2013 to 2021).
• First head coach: Rick Campbell (2014 to 2019).
• Second head coach: Paul LaPolice (hired December 2019).
• Key player: QB Henry Burris (2014 to 2016), MOP 2015, Wall of Honour 2017.
• First home game victory: July 18, 2014 vs. Toronto Argonauts.
• First Grey Cup appearance: 2015 (lost to Edmonton).
• First Grey Cup victory: 2016 (defeated Calgary).

Questions about Ottawa Redblacks

When did the Ottawa Redblacks start playing in the CFL?

The Ottawa Redblacks began play in the 2014 Canadian Football League season. Their first regular-season game was on July 3, 2014, on the road against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, which they lost 36-28. The franchise itself was awarded in 2008, but stadium construction delays and legal hurdles pushed their debut back several years from an original target of 2010. Football operations officially started in 2013 with the hiring of general manager Marcel Desjardins and the subsequent expansion draft.

Why are they called the Redblacks and not the Rough Riders?

The ownership group initially acquired the rights to the historic Ottawa Rough Riders name and trademarks in July 2010. However, due to objections from the Saskatchewan Roughriders franchise, which shares a similar name, they decided against reviving it. After a public voting process and focus groups, the name Redblacks was selected, with copyright filed in May 2013 and officially unveiled on June 8, 2013. The name is a nod to the team's primary colours of red and black, which also connect to Ottawa's sporting history.

Where do the Ottawa Redblacks play their home games?

The Ottawa Redblacks play their home games at TD Place Stadium, located at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa. The stadium underwent a major redevelopment, including the demolition and reconstruction of both the north and south stands, to become the team's home. It opened in time for the 2014 CFL season and also hosted the 2016 Grey Cup. The venue is part of a larger urban renewal project at Lansdowne Park that includes retail, residential, and public park spaces.

Who was the first head coach of the Ottawa Redblacks?

The first head coach in Ottawa Redblacks history was Rick Campbell, hired on December 6, 2013. Campbell is the son of CFL coaching legend Hugh Campbell. Under his leadership, the Redblacks won three East Division titles (2015, 2016, 2018) and made three Grey Cup appearances, winning the championship in 2016. Campbell and the team mutually agreed to part ways after the 2019 season.

What is the name of the Redblacks mascot?

The Ottawa Redblacks mascot is a lumberjack named Big Joe. The name was originally revealed as Big Joe Mufferaw on March 28, 2014, referencing a Canadian folk legend. After some public feedback, the team shortened the name to Big Joe or Grand Jos in French on March 31, 2014. The mascot is a regular fixture at home games and community events, contributing to the team's family-friendly game-day atmosphere and engaging with fans of all ages.

How many Grey Cups have the Ottawa Redblacks won?

The Ottawa Redblacks have won one Grey Cup championship. They captured the title in 2016 by defeating the Calgary Stampeders 39-33 in overtime. This victory ended a 40-year Grey Cup championship drought for the city of Ottawa. The Redblacks have appeared in two other Grey Cup finals, in 2015 and 2018, but lost both games. Their 2016 win remains the franchise's sole Grey Cup victory to date.

Sources and further reading

• Ottawa Redblacks (Wikipedia)
• Ottawa Redblacks (ottawaredblacks.com)

Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-21.