54th Grey Cup

54th Grey Cup
Saskatchewan Roughriders Ottawa Rough Riders
(9–6–1) (11–3)
29 14
Head coach: 
Head coach: 
1234 Total
Saskatchewan Roughriders 77015 29
Ottawa Rough Riders 6800 14
DateNovember 26, 1966
StadiumEmpire Stadium
LocationVancouver
RefereeAl Dryburgh
Attendance36,553[1]
Broadcasters
NetworkCBC, CTV, SRC

The 54th Grey Cup was hosted at Empire Stadium in Vancouver, British Columbia on November 26, 1966. The Saskatchewan Roughriders won their first Grey Cup after 53 years of competition for this trophy, after losing eight times. With Eagle Keys as head coach the Roughriders defeated the Ottawa Rough Riders led by Frank Clair by a score of 29–14. George Reed led all rushers with 31 carries and 133 yards and one rushing touchdown. Ottawa lost despite two TD passes of over 60 yards to the speedy long-ball threat Whit Tucker.

The gooseneck or slingshot field goal posts, invented by Jim Trimble and Joel Rottman, were installed for this game, marking their first appearance in a football championship game. They would be universally adopted across professional gridiron football the following year, with the NFL and AFL playoffs following the 54th Grey Cup (culminating in Super Bowl I) being the last professional contests to use double-support goalposts.

The game was called with four seconds left in regulation when fans swarmed the field in celebration.

  1. ^ 2014 Sports Illustrated Almanac