The Ottawa Redblacks have officially set a new record for the longest losing streak in the modern era of the CFL. Their 15th consecutive defeat came on Friday night against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, extending their streak from the previous season. Steve Daniel, a CFL historian and the league’s associate vice-president of football analytics and statistics, confirmed that the Redblacks have surpassed the Shreveport Pirates’ 14-game losing streak from 1994.
Jimmy Fata, a devoted Redblacks fan who witnessed the historic loss in Winnipeg, expressed disappointment at the team’s current standing. Despite the team’s struggles, Fata emphasized the importance of supporting the Redblacks through thick and thin.
The Redblacks’ losing streak is now noted as the third-longest in the entire CFL record book, dating back to 1907. Another loss against the Montreal Alouettes would tie them with the Hamilton Wildcats for the second-longest streak in CFL history. The Redblacks are still far from the first-place Ottawa CFL clubs that lost a combined 25 consecutive games between 1928 and 1932.
According to Daniel, the evolution of the CFL post-World War II marked a shift towards professionalism in the sport, with teams becoming more competitive and paying players above board. The Wildcats, who only lasted two years and won a single game, emerged as a temporary team in Hamilton after the original football franchise departed for another league.
Looking at the Redblacks’ ongoing struggles, Daniel suggested that a continued roster rebuild, particularly on defense, is crucial for the team’s improvement. Head coach Ryan Dinwiddie has made changes to the lineup in response to the losing streak, showing signs of progress in recent games.
Despite the challenges, Fata stressed the importance of unwavering support for the team, likening it to raising a child through both good and bad times. He remains optimistic about the Redblacks’ future, acknowledging the tough journey of being a loyal football fan.