Ottawa Redblacks unveil new Rough Riders inspired helmet for Legacy Night

Screengrab courtesy: Ottawa Redblacks

The Ottawa Redblack have unveiled a new helmet for their Friday night game against the Calgary Stampeders.

In honour of the team’s Legacy Night promotion celebrating the history of football in the Ottawa-Gatineau area, the fresh look features the team’s ‘R’ logo removed from its saw blade backdrop and placed on the side of a black helmet. Also featured on the helmet is the return of the red and white tri-stripe, completing the homage to the now defunct Ottawa Rough Riders franchise.

Founded in 1876, the Rough Riders were the professional team in the nation’s capital until they folded in 1996, winning nine Grey Cups. The CFL recognizes all three Ottawa franchises — Rough Riders, Renegades, and Redblacks — as a single entity for record-keeping purposes.

It is unclear how often the Redblacks intend to use their new helmets but they will not be the only special feature for Legacy Night, as the organization will be honouring the 2016 Grey Cup-winning team.