1956   (70 years ago) Ottawa Rough Riders announced the signings of lineman Frank Sweeney and running back Don St. John from Xavier University.  They also announced the signing of their first pick in the Canadian College Players’ Draft, Lou Bruce of Queen’s University. 1960   (66 years ago) Art Schlichter, Ottawa Rough Riders quarterback in 1988,...Read More

Sad news from Bill Van Burkleo’s family. Bill passed away on May 20, 2026. Dr. William Ben Van Burkleo, a four-time Grey Cup champion and dedicated physician, passed away on May 20, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on November 21, 1942, he completed his collegiate football career at the University of Oklahoma and...Read More

Lee Fobbs Lee Fobbs passed away on January 24th, 2026.  He played for the Ottawa Rough Riders during the 1973 season and went on to a long NCAA coaching career. Rest in peace. Lee Fobbs Obituary (1950-2026) – Cleveland, Ohio, USA | MemoriTreeRead More

Mike Sheedy – Longtime alumni member Mike Sheedy passed away on January 26th, 2026. Mike was devoted to football in Ottawa, as a mentor, coach, and administrator.  After attending training camp with the Toronto Argonauts, injuries ended his playing career.  As General Manager of the Ottawa Sooners he helped guide the club to success, including...Read More

1953   (73 years ago) Tom Towns, Ottawa Rough Riders’ linebacker in 1985, born at Rosetown, Saskatchewan. 1955   (71 years ago) Ottawa Rough Riders signed Don King, ex of the Cleveland Browns.  That rankled NFL Commissioner Bert Bell, but Ottawa General Manager Jim McCaffrey said King played with the Browns the previous season, but only had...Read More

1951   (75 years ago) Ex-Baltimore Colts Coach, Clem Crowe, was in Ottawa to speak to the Rough Riders executive about the open Head Coach position.  The Ottawa officials described the interview as “very satisfactory.” 1956   (70 years ago) Ottawa Rough Riders announced the signing of three US College players; Ken Vargo, a centre and linebacker...Read More

1954   (72 years ago) The entire Western Conference, joined at least with Ottawa Rough Riders and Montreal Alouettes football clubs, will support a move to have 12 imports used in East and West this year.  However, they are definitely in favour of making the 12 include any U.S. players who now enjoy Canadian status and...Read More

1956   (69 years ago) The Ottawa Journal’s Sports Editor, Bill Westwick, in his daily column, estimated that the Ottawa Rough Riders may have turned in excess of $20,000 profit during the 1956 season.  He stated that the Rough Riders have enjoyed the most successful season financially in Ottawa football history.  Part of the fortunate position...Read More

1951   (74 years ago) Fans sent the Ottawa Rough Riders off to Toronto in quest of the Grey Cup against the Regina Roughriders with a parade through the uptown streets. 1965   (60 years ago) Eight Ottawa Rough Riders’ players were named to the Eastern Conference All-Star team selected by the Football Reporters of Canada. They...Read More