Toronto Argonauts celebrate Grey Cup win alongside fans at lively rally
CBC News | Posted: November 19, 2024 8:21 PM | Last Updated: November 19
Fans say team deserves more love after Sunday’s win
The Toronto Argonauts celebrated their latest Grey Cup win alongside throngs of energetic fans in Maple Leaf Square Tuesday.
The Argos defeated the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 41-24 Sunday, lifting the Grey Cup for a record 19th time.
Quarterback Nick Arbuckle, the game's MVP, brought his daughter on stage to hoist the cup over her head.
He told the crowd Sunday's win can be credited to the team's unwavering belief in itself.
"I think the whole team felt it. As soon as we got on that field and we called our first play and everybody was focused and locked in, you could see that everybody believed that there was no other possibility other than this," he said.
"The belief in all these players in each other, in themselves, from the coaches, the belief never wavered that no matter how it looked, no matter what happened, we'd find a way to get it done."
Arbuckle said it seemed like destiny for the team to win after head coach Ryan Dinwiddie taped a twoonie in the locker room at BC Place Stadium when the Argonauts played the Lions there in September, knowing that the Grey Cup would take place there in November.
"I think he taped it under there and said, 'I'll be back to collect that later.'"
That twoonie was still there when the Argos returned for the Grey Cup on Sunday.
Dinwiddie said he's going to put it in the trophy case with his championship ring.
Approximately 2,500 people came out Tuesday to celebrate the Argos' win.
Fans said the challenges the team faced this season, including the suspension and later injury of quarterback Chad Kelly, made the win even more sweet.
WATCH | Hundreds of fans celebrate Argos' Grey Cup win:
"It's beautiful. It was a close game until the third quarter and then in the last eight minutes, our defence lit it up. It was wonderful," said Chris Summers, who's earned the nickname "Blue Santa" amongst Argos fans.
Sue Weller said she never gave up on her favourite team.
"We overcame so much this year. We didn't let it get us down."
Weller said she doesn't think the Argos gets enough love when compared to Toronto's other major league sports teams.
"We've earned it, and the city of Toronto better learn to respect us. Because we're number one."
It's a sentiment that was echoed by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow at Tuesday's rally.
"I think of other teams in this city that may have a little bit of catching up to do," she said.
"We love all of them dearly, but it's the Argos who have a long storied history of bringing home the big trophies."
This was also the Argonauts' second Grey Cup title in the last three years. The Argos have won in their last eight appearances dating back to 1991.