The Ottawa Redblacks have now set a new record for the longest losing streak in the modern era of the CFL. Their 15th consecutive loss occurred on Friday night against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, extending back to the previous season’s end. This surpasses the previous record held by the Shreveport Pirates, who suffered 14 straight defeats in 1994, according to Steve Daniel, a CFL historian and the league’s associate vice-president of football analytics and statistics.
Jimmy Fata, a dedicated Redblacks fan, expressed disappointment at Ottawa now holding this unfortunate distinction. He highlighted the lack of clarity on the root cause of the team’s struggles, emphasizing the need for a solution to the ongoing problem.
In a longstanding tradition at home games, a log section, known as a “wood cookie,” is cut and branded with a Redblacks logo for every touchdown. Fata, part of the crew involved in this ritual, mentioned the scarcity of celebratory moments due to the team’s recent performance.
The Redblacks’ losing streak not only sets a modern CFL record but also ranks as the third-longest in the entire CFL history dating back to 1907. Another loss against the Montreal Alouettes would see them tie for the second spot with the Hamilton Wildcats, who faced 16 consecutive losses between 1948 and 1949.
Daniel pointed out the evolution of professional football in Canada post-World War II, contrasting the current competitive landscape with the amateur nature of the sport during the Rough Riders and Senators era. He emphasized the need for the Redblacks to focus on rebuilding their roster, particularly on defense, to improve their performance.
Despite the challenges, Fata emphasized the importance of supporting the team through thick and thin, stating that true fans stand by their team in all circumstances.