RECAPPING THE 109TH GREY CUP: A SUCCESS

By: Braedyn Wozniak, RP Show Intern

The 109th Grey Cup in Regina was one for the books. 

A back-and-forth affair between the Toronto Argonauts and Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Sunday at Mosaic Stadium in Regina saw the Argos prevail in a 24-23 victory to hoist the Grey Cup for the first time since 2017. 

 The game came down to two blocked field goal attempts by both teams in the final minutes, the latter one being by Argos defensive lineman Robbie Smith to seal the deal. 

“Everything was awesome,” Rod Pedersen exclaimed on the Rod Pedersen Show. “You couldn’t turn it off and go to bed early,” 

“I got my South Florida football guys, our text group going. We’re talking about the game, the concert, everything was awesome.” 

Argos linebacker Henoc Muamba would take home both Most Outstanding Player and Most Outstanding Canadian. It was a special, emotional moment for the former Roughrider when he was presented with the awards. 

While there will be talk about the empty seats left in the stadium when the temperature was rather good for a late November football game, the energy inside Mosaic Stadium was electric in the fourth quarter. 

“I thought the game was awesome,” said Darren Dupont in response to Pedersen. “It was cold, but it wasn’t as cold as it had been earlier in the week. I think the game came off really well on television.” 

Dupont attended the game and mentioned that the stadium experience wasn’t as spectacular, largely due to the empty seats, but it was a great game for CFL fans everywhere. 

Numerous feel-good storylines came out of this game. The Argonauts stunning the juggernaut Blue Bombers in an all-time barn-burner being the headliner. 

But not far from it was the play of Toronto back-up quarterback Chad Kelly, who filled in for an injured McLeod Bethel-Thompson in the fourth quarter and showed his guts on some great throws and runs to secure the victory. 

Kelly, nephew of Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly, is a true redemption story. The 28-year-old has a checkered past. 

After being dismissed from the football team in his first year at Clemson University for detrimental conduct to the team, he was arrested for misdemeanor second-degree criminal trespassing in 2019 as a member of the Denver Broncos. 

“(Kelly) showed a lot of resolve coming in for MBT (Bethel-Thompson) and leading them to victory,” said Sirius XM NFL Radio host Zig Fricassi when he joined the show. 

“They were the better team for the most part of the game. They deserved to win. Winnipeg’s a worthy champion but Toronto was the better team yesterday.” 

Another feel-good success story stems from Argos defensive lineman Shawn Oakman. Once a projected first round NFL draft pick, the 6’8” defensive lineman went undrafted in 2016 after being charged with second-degree felony sexual assault. 

After three years and a jury trial, Oakman was found not guilty. Regardless of the verdict, his NFL chances following the trial were then slim to none. After a quick stint in the XFL, he found a home with the Argos in 2021. 

Now he’s a Grey Cup Champion. 

And while the halftime show will catch criticism, as it always does, the stage, set-up and performers were all great. Nothing too theatrical, just solid performances from Tyler Hubbard, Jordan Davis and Josh Ross.  

For a league that faces a lot of criticism almost year-round, the Grey Cup always comes around and makes everyone fall in love with the league again.  

The leagues issues won’t escape them permanently, but for one night, Canadians forgot and just enjoyed the CFL game they love. 

“The game went down to the last minute! Two blocked field goals each way, literally what more do you want?” said Pedersen.  

(The Rod Pedersen Show airs daily on Game+ TV and WQEE Radio)