The 1997 CFL season is considered to be the 44th season in modern-day Canadian football, although it is officially the 40th Canadian Football League season.

CFL News in 1997

The

CFL The Canadian Football League (CFL; french: Ligue canadienne de football—LCF) is a professional sports league in Canada. The CFL is the highest level of competition in Canadian football. The league consists of nine teams, each located in a ci ...

entered the 1997 season with eight teams, instead of nine. The

Ottawa Rough Riders The Ottawa Rough Riders were a Canadian Football League team based in Ottawa, Ontario, founded in 1876. Formerly one of the oldest and longest-lived professional sports teams in North America, the Rough Riders won the Grey Cup championship nine ...

ceased operations and folded after the 1996 season. In February, a dispersal draft was held for the players who were under contract with the

Ottawa Ottawa (, ; Canadian French: ) is the capital city of Canada. It is located at the confluence of the Ottawa River and the Rideau River in the southern portion of the province of Ontario. Ottawa borders Gatineau, Quebec, and forms the core ...

franchise. The Montreal Alouettes began the 1997 season under new ownership, which was headed by

Robert C. Wetenhall Robert Carl "Bob" Wetenhall Sr. (February 14, 1935 – September 3, 2021) was an American businessman who owned the Montreal Alouettes Football Club of the Canadian Football League from 1997 through 2018. Biography Robert (Bob) Wetenhall was bo ...

. Wetenhall and his ownership group retained the Alouette name and logo. With the Rough Riders departure, the CFL returned the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to the East Division. The CFL also changed the playoff format, adding a 'cross-over' rule. Previously, the 3rd place team in each division played the 2nd place team in the division semifinals. Under the new rule, should the 4th place team in one division have a better record than that of the 3rd place team in the other division, the 4th place team crosses over to the other division's semifinal, taking that 3rd place team's place. There is no tie-breaker; the cross-over hopeful must have a strictly better record to advance. BC attained a cross-over playoff berth in the first year under this rule. The rule remains in effect.

Regular season standings

Final regular season standings

''Note: GP = Games Played, W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties, PF = Points For, PA = Points Against, Pts = Points'' *Bold text means that they clinched playoff spots. *''Edmonton and Toronto both had first round byes.'' *''Due to the cross-over rule – the BC Lions played the Montreal Alouettes in the East Semi-Final Game.''

Grey Cup playoffs

The Toronto Argonauts won their second-straight

Grey Cup The Grey Cup (french: Coupe Grey) is both the championship game of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the trophy awarded to the victorious team playing in the namesake championship of professional Canadian football. The game is contested be ...

championship in 1997, defeating the Saskatchewan Roughriders 47–23, at Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium. The Argonauts' Doug Flutie (QB) was named the Grey Cup's Most Valuable Player and Paul Masotti (WR) was the Grey Cup's Most Valuable Canadian.

Playoff bracket

CFL Leaders

* CFL Passing Leaders * CFL Rushing Leaders * CFL Receiving Leaders

1997 CFL All-Stars

Offence

*QB – Doug Flutie, Toronto Argonauts *FB – Robert Drummond, Toronto Argonauts *RB – Mike Pringle, Montreal Alouettes *SB – Derrell Mitchell, Toronto Argonauts *SB – Darren Flutie, Edmonton Eskimos *WR – Alfred Jackson, BC Lions *WR – Milt Stegall, Winnipeg Blue Bombers *C –

Mike Kiselak Michael John Kiselak (born March 9, 1967 in Sleepy Hollow, New York, North Tarrytown, New York) is a former American football Guard (American football), guard in the Canadian Football League for the Sacramento Gold Miners, San Antonio Texans and ...

, Toronto Argonauts *OG –

Fred Childress Fred Childress, also known as Freddie Childress (born September 17, 1966) is a former all-star offensive lineman in the Canadian Football League and the National Football League. He was nicknamed as "the Big Chill" for his 6 feet 4 inch and 345 p ...

, Calgary Stampeders *OG – Pierre Vercheval, Montreal Alouettes *OT –

Uzooma Okeke Uzooma Okeke (born September 3, 1970) is a former Canadian Football League Offensive tackle, tackle for the Montreal Alouettes. He won a Grey Cup with Montreal in 2002 Grey Cup, 2002. Okeke is currently the Football Operations Assistant/Scout fo ...

, Montreal Alouettes *OT – Neal Fort, Montreal Alouettes

Defence

*DT –

Rob Waldrop Robert F. Waldrop (born December 1, 1971) is a former American college and professional gridiron football player who was a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL) and Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football a ...

, Toronto Argonauts *DT – Doug Petersen, Montreal Alouettes *DE – Elfrid Payton, Montreal Alouettes *DE –

Bobby Jurasin Robert Jurasin (born August 26, 1964) is a former defensive lineman for the Saskatchewan Roughriders from 1986–1997 and the Toronto Argonauts in 1998. He was a CFL All-Star in 1987, 1988, 1992 and 1997. He was a part of the Roughriders 1989 Gr ...

, Saskatchewan Roughriders *LB – Maurice Kelly, BC Lions *LB –

Willie Pless Willy or Willie is a masculine, male given name, often a diminutive form of William or Wilhelm, and occasionally a nickname. It may refer to: People Given name or nickname * Willie Aames (born 1960), American actor, television director, and scree ...

, Edmonton Eskimos *LB –

Shonte Peoples Shonte Peoples (born August 30, 1972) is a former linebacker in the Canadian Football League. College career Peoples played as strong safety for University of Michigan football team in fall of 1990 to 1993. Professional career Having played ...

, Winnipeg Blue Bombers *CB –

Kavis Reed Kavis Reed (born February 24, 1973) is a former Canadian Football League (CFL) defensive back, head coach and general manager. He was most recently the GM of the Montreal Alouettes from December 2016 until July 2019. He also served three years as ...

, Edmonton Eskimos *CB –

Marvin Coleman Marvin Coleman (born January 31, 1972) was a football player in the Canadian Football League for ten years. Coleman played cornerback for the Calgary Stampeders and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are a professional Canadia ...

, Calgary Stampeders *DB –

Glenn Rogers Jr. Glenn Edward Rogers, Jr. (born June 8, 1969) is a former football player in the Canadian Football League (CFL) for seven years. He also played one season in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Memphis State Univers ...

, Edmonton Eskimos *DB –

Johnnie Harris Johnnie Harris (born August 21, 1972) is a former American football Safety. He played in the Arena Football League (AFL) for the Tampa Bay Storm (1996–1998), Orlando Predators (2005), Grand Rapids Rampage (2006–2007), Philadelphia Soul (2007) ...

, Toronto Argonauts *DS – Lester Smith, Toronto Argonauts

Special teams

*P/K – Mike Vanderjagt, Toronto Argonauts *ST –

Mike "Pinball" Clemons Michael Lutrell "Pinball" Clemons (born January 15, 1965) is an American-Canadian sports executive and former running back and return specialist who serves as general manager for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He i ...

, Toronto Argonauts

1997 Eastern All-Stars

Offence

*QB – Doug Flutie, Toronto Argonauts *FB – Robert Drummond, Toronto Argonauts *RB – Mike Pringle, Montreal Alouettes *SB – Derrell Mitchell, Toronto Argonauts *SB – Jock Climie, Montreal Alouettes *WR – Paul Masotti, Toronto Argonauts *WR – Milt Stegall, Winnipeg Blue Bombers *C –

, Toronto Argonauts *OG –

Bruce Beaton Bruce Beaton (born June 13, 1968 in Port Hood, Nova Scotia) is a former professional Canadian football offensive lineman who played 13 seasons in the Canadian Football League for five different teams. He was named CFL All-Star three times and was ...

, Montreal Alouettes *OG – Pierre Vercheval, Montreal Alouettes *OT –

, Montreal Alouettes *OT – Neal Fort, Montreal Alouettes

Defence

*DT –

, Toronto Argonauts *DT – Doug Petersen, Montreal Alouettes *DE – Elfrid Payton, Montreal Alouettes *DE –

Willie Whitehead Willie Whitehead, Jr. (born January 26, 1973) is a former professional American and Canadian football defensive end who played for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He walked-on to play college football with Auburn befo ...

, Hamilton Tiger-Cats *LB – Ken Benson, Toronto Argonauts *LB – Mike O'Shea, Toronto Argonauts *LB –

, Winnipeg Blue Bombers *CB –

Adrion Smith Adrion "Pee Wee" Smith (born September 29, 1971) was a football player in the CFL for twelve years. Smith played defensive back for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Memphis Mad Dogs and Toronto Argonauts from 1994–2005. He was a CFL All-Star four ti ...

, Toronto Argonauts *CB – Orlando Steinauer, Hamilton Tiger-Cats *DB –

Harold Nash Harold Nash, Jr. (born May 5, 1970 in New Orleans, Louisiana) is a current American football strength and conditioning coach of the National Football League (NFL). He is also a former defensive back in the Canadian Football League. Playing car ...

, Montreal Alouettes *DB –

, Toronto Argonauts *DS – Lester Smith, Toronto Argonauts

Special teams

*P/K – Mike Vanderjagt, Toronto Argonauts *ST –

, Toronto Argonauts

1997 Western All-Stars

Offence

*QB – Jeff Garcia, Calgary Stampeders *FB – Kelvin Anderson, Calgary Stampeders *RB – Sean Millington, BC Lions *SB –

Vince Danielsen Vince Danielsen (born November 26, 1971) is a former professional Canadian football receiver for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League from 1994 to 2001. He was selected third overall in the bonus round of the 1994 Canadian Colleg ...

, Calgary Stampeders *SB – Darren Flutie, Edmonton Eskimos *WR – Alfred Jackson, BC Lions *WR – Terry Vaughn, Calgary Stampeders *C –

Mike Withycombe William Michael Withycombe (born November 18, 1964 in Meridian, Mississippi) is a former professional American and Canadian football offensive lineman who played three seasons in the Canadian Football League, mainly for the Baltimore Stallions. P ...

, BC Lions *OG –

, Calgary Stampeders *OG –

Leo Groenewegen Leo Groenewegen (born August 13, 1965) is a former all-star offensive lineman in the Canadian Football League. He played from 1987 to 2004 for the Ottawa Rough Riders, British Columbia Lions and Edmonton Eskimos. He was an All-Star three times ...

, Edmonton Eskimos *OT –

Thomas Rayam Thomas Leon Rayam (born January 3, 1968) is a former American football offensive lineman who played in the National Football League (NFL) and Canadian Football League (CFL). He was selected by the Washington Redskins in the tenth round of the 19 ...

, Edmonton Eskimos *OT – John Terry, Saskatchewan Roughriders

Defence

*DT –

Joe Fleming Joe Fleming (born December 5, 1971) is a former Canadian Football League defensive end. Over his ten years in the CFL he played for three teams and did not play during the 2002 CFL season. Fleming announced his retirement prior to the 2006 CFL f ...

, BC Lions *DT –

Bennie Goods Bennie Goods (born February 28, 1968) is a US-born former Canadian Football League defensive tackle. Goods was born in Pattison, Mississippi, and played eleven seasons for two different teams. Goods also played in the Arena Football League for ...

, Edmonton Eskimos *DE –

Malvin Hunter Malvin Hunter (born November 20, 1969) is a former American and Canadian football linebacker and defensive end in the World League of American Football (WLAF) and Canadian Football League (CFL). He played in the WLAF for the San Antonio Riders and ...

, Edmonton Eskimos *DE –

, Saskatchewan Roughriders *LB – Maurice Kelly, BC Lions *LB –

, Edmonton Eskimos *LB –

Alondra Johnson Alondra Johnson (born July 22, 1965) is a former Canadian Football League linebacker who played sixteen seasons in the CFL, mainly for the Calgary Stampeders The Calgary Stampeders are a professional Canadian football team based in Calgary, ...

, Calgary Stampeders *CB –

, Edmonton Eskimos *CB –

, Calgary Stampeders *DB –

, Edmonton Eskimos *DB –

Dale Joseph Dale or dales may refer to: Locations * Dale (landform), an open valley * Dale (place name element) Geography ;Australia *The Dales (Christmas Island), in the Indian Ocean ;Canada *Dale, Ontario ;Ethiopia *Dale (woreda), district ;Norway *Dal ...

, Saskatchewan Roughriders *DS –

Trent Brown Trenton Jacoby Brown (born April 13, 1993) is an American football offensive tackle for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Georgia Military College and Florida, and was drafted by the Sa ...

, Edmonton Eskimos

Special teams

*P/K – Mark McLoughlin, Calgary Stampeders *ST – Gizmo Williams, Edmonton Eskimos

1997 Intergold CFLPA All-Stars

Offence

*QB – Doug Flutie, Toronto Argonauts *OT – John Terry, Saskatchewan Roughriders *OT – Rocco Romano, Calgary Stampeders *OG –

, Calgary Stampeders *OG –

, Montreal Alouettes *C –

, Toronto Argonauts *RB – Robert Drummond, Toronto Argonauts *FB – Sean Millington, BC Lions *SB – Milt Stegall, Winnipeg Blue Bombers *SB – Darren Flutie, Edmonton Eskimos *WR – Alfred Jackson, BC Lions *WR – Terry Vaughn, Calgary Stampeders

Defence

*DE – Elfrid Payton, Montreal Alouettes *DE –

Leroy Blugh Leroy Blugh (born May 14, 1966) is a former professional Canadian football defensive lineman and the defensive line coach for the Queen's Gaels of U Sports football. He played for fifteen seasons in the Canadian Football League (CFL) for two di ...

, Edmonton Eskimos *DT – John Kropke, Saskatchewan Roughriders *DT –

, Toronto Argonauts *OLB – Darryl Hall, Calgary Stampeders *OLB –

, Winnipeg Blue Bombers *ILB –

Calvin Tiggle Calvin Bernard Tiggle (born November 10, 1968), is a former award-winning linebacker in the Canadian Football League. After graduating from the Georgia Institute of Technology (playing with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets) he played two season ...

, Hamilton Tiger-Cats *CB – Donald Smith, Toronto Argonauts *CB –

, Calgary Stampeders *HB –

, Edmonton Eskimos *HB –

, Toronto Argonauts *S –

, Edmonton Eskimos

Special teams

*K – Mark McLoughlin, Calgary Stampeders *P – Tony Martino, Calgary Stampeders *ST –

, Toronto Argonauts

Head coach

* Adam Rita, BC Lions 1997 Intergold CFLPA All-Stars
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1997 CFL Awards

CFL's Most Outstanding Player Award The Most Outstanding Player Award is annually awarded to the best player in the Canadian Football League. The two nominees for the award are the Terry Evanshen Trophy winner from the East Division, and the Jeff Nicklin Memorial Trophy winner from ...

– Doug Flutie (QB), Toronto Argonauts *

CFL's Most Outstanding Canadian Award The Most Outstanding Canadian Award is annually awarded to the best Canadian player in the Canadian Football League. The two nominees for the award are the Lew Hayman Trophy winner from the East Division, and the Dr. Beattie Martin Trophy winner ...

– Sean Millington (FB), BC Lions * CFL's Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award –

(LB), Edmonton Eskimos * CFL's Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman Award –

(C), Toronto Argonauts * CFL's Most Outstanding Rookie Award – Derrell Mitchell (SB), Toronto Argonauts * CFLPA's Outstanding Community Service Award – Mark McLoughlin (K), Calgary Stampeders * CFL's Coach of the Year – Don Matthews, Toronto Argonauts *

Commissioner's Award The Commissioner's Award is presented annually by the Commissioner of the Canadian Football League to an individual or individuals who have demonstrated dedication and made a significant contribution to Canadian Football. The award was first introd ...

Bolan and Egres Bolan may refer to: People with the surname Bolan *Betsy Bolan, ''Survivor'' contestant *George Bolan (1897–1940), American football player *James S. Bolan (1871–1952), American police commissioner *Kim Bolan (born 1959), reporter *Len Bolan ( ...

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:1997 Cfl Season Canadian Football League seasons