Today’s victory parade for the Redblacks got an early start Monday as the crowd erupted in cheers and whoops, jangling red and black cowbells as the team stepped off the bus at TD Place Stadium with the Grey Cup.
This is the first Grey Cup win for the Redblacks, and the first time the city of Ottawa has seen the cup in 40 years.
The upset Ottawa win in the Grey Cup championship game on Sunday was a classic example of the underdog’s success. The Calgary Stampeders were widely recognized as the stronger team having won 15 of 18 games this season.
The Redblacks were leading by 20 points shortly after half time, but the Stampeders charged back forced the game into overtime.
Ernest Jackson bobbled but ultimately caught a critical pass during overtime from quarterback Henry Burris bringing the game to the final score of 39-33.
Fans gathered at TD Place Stadium at Lansdowne Park early Monday afternoon to greet the team as they stepped off the bus from Toronto.
Dressed in red and black merchandise, members of R-Nation chanted “Thank you, Redblacks,” amid cowbell rings and inflatable cheer sticks banging together. The Grey Cup wound its way through the crowd, fans pushing for their chance to lay a hand on it.
“It’s amazing to be in this situation,” said Redblacks wide receiver Jamill Smith, “because it’s a goal that we all set out to have before the season start. It’s unexplainable.”
Smith and other Redblacks players lingered in the crowd to sign Grey Cup Champions hats and jerseys, and to take selfies with fans.
There will be a parade Tuesday at noon beginning on the Pretoria Bridge towards Bank Street, and then will make its way south down Bank Street to TD Place Stadium at Landsdowne Park.
