1973 (52 years ago) (April 21)
Hal Ledyard, Ottawa Rough Riders’ quarterback from 1956 to 1958, drowned while on vacation with his wife at Pfeiffer State Beach near Big Sur, California. He was 41 years of age.
1974 (51 years ago) (April 23)
Andy Tommy, Ottawa Rough Riders’ halfback and flying wing in the 1930s and 1940s, died suddenly at his home at Edelweiss, Quebec. He was in his 62nd year. Andy is a member of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
1980 (45 years ago)
Tom Clements, former Ottawa Rough Riders’ quarterback, signed five one-year contracts with the Kansas City Chiefs estimated to total more than $1M. Clements said the offer was about $250,000 less than the Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ offer. “Marv Levy, the Chiefs’ Head Coach, has a roll-out offence with a lot of play-action passes worked in what was best suited to my ability,” Clements said.
1988 (37 years ago)
Ottawa Rough Riders signed a one-year deal with fullback Jim Reid.
1993 (32 years ago)
Ottawa Rough Riders signed Kevin Meger, a 23-year-old quarterback from University of Toledo. He joins three other quarterbacks already signed by the Riders including veterans Tom Burgess and Scott Campbell.
1994 (31 years ago)
Ottawa Rough Riders announced the signing of linebacker Jessie Small. He’ll compete for a job at training camp along with Angelo Snipes, Jeff Braswell, Daved Benefield, Maurice Henry and Brian Bonner.
2002 (23 years ago (April 25)
Ottawa Renegades had the first two picks in the CFL College Draft. Their first pick was offensive tackle Alexandre Gauthier from University of Laval. Their second choice was fullback Mike Vilimek from Simon Fraser University. They also traded their 28th overall selection to Toronto Argonauts for receiver Andre Kirwan.
2015 (10 years ago)
In preparing for their spring mini-camp, Ottawa RedBlacks confirmed the release of WR Kierrie Johnson and defensive back David Toussaint. They also announced the signing of running back Alvester Alexander and defensive back Hakeem Smith as well as free agent receiver Chris Williams.
BIRTHDAYS TODAY (APRIL 1)
1958 (67 years today)
John Park, Ottawa Rough Riders’ fullback from 1981 to 1984, born at Sarnia, Ontario.
1963 (62 years today)
David Conrad, Ottawa Rough Riders’ fullback from 1989 to 1992, born at Halifax, Nova Scotia.
PASSINGS TODAY (APRIL 1)
2004 (21 years today)
Jim Mankins, Ottawa Rough Riders’ running back from 1968 to 1970, passed away at Anchorage, Alaska at age 59.
