Bob Young, the owner of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, has won the CFL Commissioner’s Award, which has been presented annually since 1990 to an “individual or individuals who have demonstrated dedication, and have made a significant contribution, to Canadian football.”
“When Bob Young purchased the team in 2003, it had a storied past, but faced a very uncertain future,” said commissioner Randy Ambrosie in a statement. “Today, the Tiger-Cats are strong, stable and successful. They play in a beautiful venue and they are the epitome of a modern sports franchise.
“They are the cornerstone property of the Hamilton Sports Group, which is quickly emerging as a major force in sports and entertainment. Bob may not quite look the part, with his slender build and trademark baseball cap, but he’s a football hero.”
Young often says that he doesn’t own the Tiger-Cats, rather that he is their caretaker. His late brother, Mike, was a passionate fan of Hamilton’s CFL team and was an inspiration on Bob’s football journey.
Previous winners of the award include: Bernie Custis, the CFL’s first black quarterback; Russ Jackson, a legendary CFL quarterback from the Ottawa Rough Riders; and Hugh Campbell, a ten-time Grey Cup champion who coached the Edmonton Football Team’s dynasty.
