Toronto Argonauts capture 19th Grey Cup, defeat Winnipeg Blue Bombers 41-24

Before the start of this CFL season, Nick Arbuckle was on the verge of quitting football. Now, he’s etched into Grey Cup lore, playing a pivotal role in a game full of unforgettable moments.

The chase for Grey Cup glory remained tight for much of the evening, until a series of big plays in the fourth quarter tipped the scale.

The Toronto Argonauts captured their 19th Grey Cup—an all-time CFL record—after defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 41-24 in Vancouver. The victory came with an unlikely hero under center.

Arbuckle, who came in as an emergency quarterback, was unemployed and contemplating quitting football at the start of the year. That’s when his former quarterback coach, now-Argonauts head coach Ryan Dinwiddie, brought him onto the squad for depth.

The journeyman quarterback delivered in Vancouver, completing 26 of 37 passes for 252 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. His performance earned him the game’s MVP award.

Despite a low-scoring first half, the game lived up to its billing. A crowd of over 50,000 filled BC Place, with Prince Harry in attendance and a halftime show featuring the Jonas Brothers.

The excitement carried over into the second half, where Toronto scored their first touchdown of the game. Winnipeg quarterback Zach Collaros was forced to leave after cutting his index finger on his throwing hand. Though he returned after receiving stitches, Collaros struggled, throwing four interceptions—one of which was returned for a touchdown, sealing the championship for the Argonauts.

The Blue Bombers entered the championship game as heavy favorites, with the potential for a “dynasty” on the line. Their loss marked their third consecutive Grey Cup defeat, and the second time in three years they’ve lost the title to the underdog Argonauts.

The 28-year-old Argos wide receiver Dejon Brissett was named the game’s top Canadian after a 45 receiving yards game including a key touchdown. Toronto is slated to celebrate their grey cup win at maple leaf square on Tuesday starting at 11 a-m.

Photo courtesy: Andre Ringuette/Getty Images