The CFL Ottawa Alumni Association was honoured to stand alongside the Ottawa Redblacks in hosting a truly special Legacy Game Pre Game event on July 31st. It was an evening that reminded all of us why football in Ottawa has endured for 150 years. It was a celebration of teammates, friends, and brothers who once shared locker rooms, long practices, big wins, tough losses, and the kind of camaraderie that lasts a lifetime. Rough Riders, Renegades, and Redblacks alumni brought with them to TD Place the energy of players who have lived the game and still carry it proudly.
From the moment alumni and their families arrived, the reception felt less like an event and more like stepping back into familiar company. Old teammates found each other instantly, conversations picked up as if no time had passed, and laughter echoed across the room. Before heading out to watch the Redblacks take on the visiting Montreal Alouettes, alumni enjoyed a warm, relaxed gathering that captured the spirit of what our association is all about: keeping the bonds of football alive long after the final whistle.
Redblacks President Adrian Sciarra spoke to that spirit directly, emphasizing how deeply football is woven into Ottawa’s identity and how proud the organization was to honour the players who built that legacy. He told us of the positive feedback he was getting from the public and ticket-buying patrons about the alumni and the Legacy Game. Autograph sessions, alumni appearances, and tributes to championship teams weren’t just ceremonial; they were reminders of the shared history that connects every player who has worn Ottawa’s colours. His words underscored the value of bringing alumni together not just to be recognized, but to reconnect.
A highlight of the evening was the celebration of Ottawa’s foundational figures, especially the legendary Russ Jackson on the occasion of his 90th birthday. Though Russ could not attend, his legacy of three Grey Cups, three CFL Most Outstanding Player awards, and four Most Outstanding Canadian honours was felt throughout the room. Alumni swapped stories about his leadership, his impact, and the standard he set for generations. Moments like these show why gatherings matter: they give us space to remember the players who shaped us and the game we love.
The reception also brought the 1976 Rough Riders championship team back together, rekindling memories of one of the most iconic moments in Ottawa sports history. Tony Gabriel’s unforgettable Grey Cup touchdown was celebrated with pride, and teammates such as Art Green, Jeff Avery, Paul Moses, Bill Robinson, Jeff Turcotte, Bill Hatanaka, Jim Piaskoski, and Peter Stenerson reunited with a wide roster of Rough Riders alumni including Ken Vargo, John Kruspe, Steph Jones, Roger Cattelan, Michael Collymore, Mike Graffi, Pat Stoqua, Dan Dever, Bruce Walker, Randy Fournier, Bob McKeown, Brad Tierney, Don Gilbert, Larry Mohr, Tom Pullen, Terry Wellesley, Chuck Wood, Warner Miles, Gord Weber, and CFLOAA members Milan Topolovec, Dick Dinelle, and Scott Racine. Seeing so many players from that era together again sharing stories, ribbing each other, and reliving their glory days reminded everyone why the CFLOAA exists and that is to keep these connections strong.
The Renegades era was equally well represented, with Mike Sutherland (now the Redblacks’ PA announcer) singing the national anthem and joining former teammates Steve Glenn, Dwayne Provo, Val St. Germain, Darryl Ray, David Azzi, and Darren Joseph. Their presence reinforced that every chapter of Ottawa football matters. Whether it was the highs of championship seasons or the grind of rebuilding years, each era forged bonds that still bring players together decades later.
Our 2016 Redblacks Grey Cup champions added their own energy to the night, celebrating the franchise’s modern era and its historic title run. Henry Burris, Antoine Pruneau, and a large contingent of 2016 teammates including including Cleyon Laing, Damaso Munoz, Imoan Claiborne, Arnaud Gascon-Nadon, Brendan Gillanders, Jon Gott, Forrest Hightower, Moton Hopkins, Tristan Jackson, Abdul Kanneh, Scott Macdonnell, Nolan MacMillan, Alex Mateas, Christopher Milo, Kienan LaFrance, Ettore Lattanzio, Patrick Lavoie, Nigel Romick, Jonathan Rose, Brad Sinopoli, Jamill Smith, Jordan Verone, Dan West, Connor Williams, and Mitchell White. Other Redblacks alumni included Sherrod Baltimore, Dontae Bull, Kalonji Kashama, Justin Phillips, and Dominique Rhymes. The Redblacks reunited with the same chemistry that carried them to a championship.
Players from across the Rough Riders, Renegades, and Redblacks eras mingled easily, sharing stories that spanned generations. It was a powerful reminder that while the jerseys change, the camaraderie never does.
As alumni gathered for photos, shared memories, and enjoyed the company of teammates old and new, the pre‑game event captured the heart of CFL football in the Capital. It was more than a reunion, it was a celebration of the brotherhood that defines football in Ottawa. The Legacy Game that followed extended that celebration to the fans, who witnessed the city’s football history come together. For 150 years, football has been part of Ottawa’s identity, and on July 31st, the Redblacks and CFLOAA honoured that legacy with pride, gratitude, and a renewed sense of community. It proved once again that the value of our alumni association lies in keeping these bonds alive.
The following images are from the video above, produced by the Ottawa Redblacks.
