The Ottawa Redblacks have officially claimed the undesirable title of having the longest losing streak in the CFL’s modern era. Their 15th consecutive loss occurred on Friday night against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, extending back to the previous season. This surpasses the record of the Shreveport Pirates, who had 14 consecutive losses in 1994, as confirmed by CFL historian Steve Daniel.
Jimmy Fata, a devoted Redblacks fan, expressed disappointment at this record-setting distinction. Despite the team’s struggles, Fata emphasized the importance of unwavering support for the Redblacks, likening it to supporting a child through thick and thin.
The Redblacks’ losing streak is not only a modern-day CFL record but also ranks as the third-longest streak in CFL history since 1907. Another loss against the Montreal Alouettes would see them tie with the Hamilton Wildcats for the second-longest streak. The Wildcats, a short-lived team formed after the departure of an existing Hamilton football club, only managed to secure one victory during their two-year existence.
Looking ahead, Daniel recommended a continued roster rebuild for the Redblacks, particularly focusing on defensive improvements. Despite the team’s struggles, Daniel noted some positive steps taken by the coaching staff to address the challenges faced on the field.
Fata, known for his participation in the Redblacks’ touchdown celebration tradition, remains optimistic about the team’s future despite the ongoing losses. He stressed the importance of loyal fan support during challenging times and expressed his commitment to stand by the Redblacks through thick and thin.