The Hamilton Tiger-Cats will induct receiver Darren Flutie into the team’s Wall of Honour at Tim Hortons Field on Aug. 17.
The five-foot-ten, 184-pound target played 86 games as a member of the Ticats from 1998 to 2002, winning a Grey Cup with the team in 1999. He made 405 catches for 5,796 yards and 26 touchdowns, ranking sixth all-time in club history in receptions and receiving yards.
“Darren Flutie’s work ethic, determination and exceptional pass-catching ability embodied exactly what it means to be an all-time Hamilton Tiger-Cat,” said team owner Bob Young in a statement. “He is one of the best receivers to ever put on a black and gold jersey and it’s only fitting that he’ll take his place on the Wall of Honour, alongside 25 other legendary Tiger-Cats.”
The Boston College product was twice named an East Division all-star as a member of the Ticats as well as a CFL all-star in 1999. He made six receptions for 109 yards and two touchdowns in the 1999 Grey Cup. He enjoyed his best season in Hamilton in 1998 when he made 98 catches for 1,386 yards and five touchdowns.
“I am truly humbled and honoured to be added to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats Wall of Honour alongside 25 other incredibly deserving men, including my 1999 Grey Cup teammates Joe Montford, Rob Hitchcock and Danny McManus,” said Flutie. “I want to thank Caretaker Bob Young and the rest of the Tiger-Cats ownership group, my teammates, coaches and the incredibly passionate Hamilton Tiger-Cats fans.”
Flutie played 12 seasons in the CFL as a member of the B.C. Lions (1991-95), Edmonton Football Team (1996-97), and Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1998-2002). He made 972 receptions for 14,359 yards and 66 touchdowns and ranks fifth all-time in league receptions and sixth all-time in league receiving yards. He was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2007.
Flutie will be inducted into the Wall of Honour during a halftime ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 17 when the Ticats play host to the Edmonton Elks.
25 players and builders have been added to Hamilton’s Wall of Honour since it opened in 1998, including Rocky DiPietro, Bernie Faloney, Ellison Kelly, Angelo Mosca, Tommy Joe Coffey, Garney Henley, John Barrow, Ben Zambiasi, Ralph Sazio, Grover Covington, Jake Gaudaur, Earl Winfield, Bill Danychuk, Joe Zuger, Less Browne, Don Sutherin, Vince Scott, Tommy Grant, Paul Osbaldiston, Pete Neumann, Bob Krouse, Willie Bethea, Joe Montford, Rob Hitchcock, and Danny McManus.
