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BC Lions
Team logo
Founded 1954
Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Home field BC Place
Head coach Buck Pierce
General manager Ryan Rigmaiden
Owner(s) Amar Doman
League Canadian Football League
Division West
Colours Black, orange, fog grey, white
                   
Nickname(s) Leos
Mascot(s) Leo the Lion & Rory the Lion
Grey Cup wins 6 (1964, 1985, 1994,
2000, 2006, 2011)
Division championships 10 (1963, 1964, 1983, 1985, 1988, 1994, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2011)
Division titles 13 (1963, 1964, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2012)
Current uniform
CFL BCL Jersey.png
Current sports event2025 BC Lions season

The BC Lions are a professional Canadian football team. They are based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The Lions play in the West Division of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Their home games are played at BC Place.

The Lions started playing in 1954. They have played every season since then. This makes them the oldest professional sports team in British Columbia. They have played in the league's championship game, the Grey Cup, 10 times. They have won six of these games. Their most recent championship was in 2011.

The Lions were the first team from Western Canada to win the Grey Cup at home. They did this in 1994 and again in 2011. In 1994, the Lions also became the first and only team to play against and defeat an American-based team for the Grey Cup. The Lions have the second-longest streak of making the playoffs in CFL history. They reached the postseason for 20 years in a row, from 1997 to 2016.

Team Facts

2015 BC Lions wordmark
Team wordmark from 2005 to 2015
  • Founded: 1954
  • Name: The team is named after The Lions. These are two mountain peaks that look over Vancouver.
  • Helmet design: Black helmet with an orange mountain lion's head.
  • Uniform colours: Black, orange, fog grey, and white.
  • Nickname: The Leos.
  • Mascots: Leo the Lion and Rory the Lion.
  • Fight song: "Roar, You Lions, Roar."
  • Home Stadiums: Empire Stadium (1954–1982), Empire Field (2010–2011), and BC Place Stadium (1983–2009, 2011–present).
  • Main rivals: Montreal Alouettes (in the Labour Day Classic) and Saskatchewan Roughriders.
  • Western Division 1st place finishes: 13 times.
  • Western Division championships: 10 times.
  • Grey Cup championships: 6 times (1964, 1985, 1994, 2000, 2006, and 2011).
  • 2024 regular season record: 9 wins, 9 losses.

Team Ownership

The BC Lions Football Club is owned by businessman Amar Doman. He became the owner on August 18, 2021. As of 2024, the team's executive committee has four main people:

  • Duane Vienneau, President
  • George Chayka, Senior Vice President of Business
  • Carolyn Cody, Vice President of Business Operations & Marketing
  • Colby Fackler, Vice President of Sales & Service

History of the BC Lions

Early Football in British Columbia

Football arrived later in British Columbia compared to other parts of Canada. The British Columbia Rugby Football Union was formed in 1926. This group competed to represent the West in the Grey Cup starting in 1930. The Vancouver Meralomas were a successful team from this time.

After the BCRFU ended in 1941, the Vancouver Grizzlies joined the Western Interprovincial Football Union (WIFU). They played only one season before the WIFU stopped operations during the Second World War. The Grizzlies did not return after the war.

How the Lions Started

In 1951, a group of people wanted to start a new football team in Vancouver. They wanted it to play in the WIFU. They worked hard to get enough support and money.

On January 22, 1953, the club had its first meeting. Arthur E. Mercer became the first president. Later that year, Vancouver was given a chance to have a team. They needed a 15,000-seat stadium and to sell 6,500 season tickets.

Things started to come together when Vancouver was chosen to host the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games. This meant Empire Stadium would be built. It could hold 32,300 people, which was perfect for the new team. Annis Stukus became the team's first general manager and head coach.

Naming the Team

In 1953, fans helped choose the team's name in a contest. The name Lions was chosen. It represented a local landmark: two mountain peaks northwest of Vancouver. Legend says these peaks look like two mountain lions guarding the city.

Annis Stukus decided the team should represent all of British Columbia. So, the team became known as the British Columbia Lions, or "BC Lions." The mountain lion is known for speed, courage, and strength. The team's first logo combined this animal with the black and orange colors of the Meralomas.

Indigenous Recognition

BC Lions Indigenous Logo
Indigenous logo created by Corinne Hunt in 2021 to support the Every Child Matters movement.

In 2021, the Lions started a special project to support Indigenous residential schools and missing children. They recognized Orange Shirt Day, now known as the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Artist Corrine Hunt created a special Indigenous design of the team's logo. This was to bring attention to the Every Child Matters movement. This was the first time a CFL team brought attention to this movement. Other teams, like the Edmonton Elks, later joined in.

Important Seasons

The BC Lions have won 13 Western Conference/West Division regular-season championships. They have played for the Grey Cup 10 times and won six.

First Seasons (1954–1960)

In their first season in 1954, the Lions played their first home game on August 28, 1954. They lost 8–6 to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Their first win came on September 18, 1954, against the Calgary Stampeders. The Lions finished their first year with only one win and 15 losses.

The team slowly improved over the next few years. In 1959, the Lions had their first winning season with a 9–7 record. They also made their first playoff appearance. Even though they lost in the playoffs, the team's future looked promising.

First Grey Cup Title (1961–1967)

In 1961, the Lions made a big trade, getting quarterback Joe Kapp from Calgary. A week later, Dave Skrien became the new head coach.

1963 Grey Cup Finalists

In 1963, the Lions had a strong team. They finished first in their conference with a 12–4 record. They reached the 51st Grey Cup against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. However, injuries hurt their performance, and they lost 21–10. Even so, several Lions players and their coach won major awards that year.

1964 Grey Cup Champions

In 1964, the Lions had an 11–2–3 record. They defeated the Calgary Stampeders in the Western Conference finals. Then, they met the Hamilton Tiger-Cats again in the 52nd Grey Cup. This time, the Lions got their revenge! With great play from Kapp, Willie Fleming, and Bill Munsey, the Lions won their first Grey Cup, 34–24. This win ended 11 years of waiting for their fans.

After this big win, the team faced challenges. Key players retired or left, and the team struggled in the following seasons.

Changes in Coaching (1968–1976)

After coach Skrien left, the Lions had many different head coaches. They only made the playoffs three times between 1968 and 1976. In 1969, Jackie Parker became head coach and helped the team reach the playoffs.

In 1970, Empire Stadium got Canada's first artificial turf field. The team continued to struggle, but some players, like Jim Young, won individual awards. In 1975, Bob Ackles became assistant general manager and Cal Murphy became head coach.

Back to Being Competitive (1977–1982)

BC Lions logo
BC Lions logo design (1976-2024)

In 1977, Vic Rapp became the new head coach. The team got many new players and earned the nickname "Cardiac Kids" for their exciting, close wins. They finished second in their division with a 10–6 record. They won their first playoff game but lost in the Western Division final.

The Lions continued to build their team. In 1981, they returned to the playoffs with a 10–6 record. They won a semi-final game but lost to Edmonton in the Western Division final. By 1982, the team had promising new players like Mervyn Fernandez. However, they missed the playoffs, and the coaching staff was changed.

A New Home and a Strong Team (1983-1987)

BCPLACESTADIUM
BC Place Stadium, 2003

In 1983, Don Matthews became the new head coach. The Lions also moved into their new home, the domed BC Place Stadium. The team had a great season, finishing 11–5 and in first place. They reached the 71st Grey Cup but lost a very close game, 18–17, to the Toronto Argonauts.

In 1984, the Lions again finished first in their division with a 12–3–1 record. However, they lost in the Western finals to Winnipeg. The large crowds at BC Place helped the team financially.

1985 Grey Cup Champions

The 1985 season was amazing for the Lions. They had their best record ever, 13–3. This was their third year in a row finishing first in their division. They beat Winnipeg in the playoffs. Then, they faced Hamilton in the 73rd Grey Cup in Montreal. After 21 years, the Lions won their second Grey Cup championship, 37–24! Quarterback Roy Dewalt and defensive end James "Quick" Parker won MVP awards. Kicker Lui Passaglia was named the Most Valuable Canadian.

Defending their title in 1986 was tough. The Lions finished second in their division. They won their semi-final game but lost to Edmonton in the Western final. In 1987, the Lions again finished first in the Western Division. However, they lost to Edmonton in the Western final.

Challenges and Changes (1988–1992)

In 1988, the Lions had many new players, including quarterback Matt Dunigan. They finished with a 10–8 record and reached the 76th Grey Cup. It was a close game, but they lost 22–21 to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The 1989 season was disappointing. The team started with many losses, and the coach was fired. New owner Murray Pezim bought the team. The Lions missed the playoffs for the first time since 1982.

In 1990, the team changed its uniform colors to black and silver. They had new coaches and players, but the team struggled. The CFL had to take over the team in 1992 when owner Murray Pezim declared bankruptcy. Later that year, Bill Comrie bought the team. The Lions finished with a very poor 3–15 record.

Another Grey Cup Victory (1993–1995)

In 1993, with new coach Dave Ritchie and general manager Eric Tillman, the Lions signed many experienced players. They started the season well, with an 8–3 record. Quarterback Danny Barrett even set a CFL record for passing yards in a single game. The Lions made the playoffs but lost in the semi-finals.

1994 Grey Cup Champions

The 1994 season brought a new quarterback, Kent Austin. The team started strong, winning 7 of their first 8 games. They had a record-breaking 67–15 win over Shreveport. The Lions finished the regular season with an 11–6–1 record.

In the playoffs, the Lions had amazing comeback victories. They beat Edmonton in the semi-finals with a last-minute field goal by Lui Passaglia. Then, in a memorable game against Calgary, Danny McManus led a final drive to win with seconds left. This set up the 82nd Grey Cup at BC Place against the Baltimore Stallions.

In front of over 55,000 cheering fans, the Lions and Stallions played a thrilling game. McManus led a second-half comeback. With the score tied, Passaglia kicked the winning field goal as time ran out! The Lions won their third Grey Cup championship, 26–23. Passaglia was named the Most Valuable Canadian for his heroic plays.

The 1995 season started well, but injuries hurt the team later on. They made the playoffs but lost in the semi-finals. Running back Cory Philpot broke the CFL record for touchdowns in a season.

Staying Strong (1996–2002)

The 1996 season was difficult. The team had new owners and coaches, but they struggled. The CFL had to take over the team again. However, David Braley bought the team on October 31, 1996, bringing much-needed stability.

In 1997, the Lions made the playoffs again, even with an 8–10 record. They were the first West Division team to play in an East Division semi-final under a new "cross-over rule." They lost to the Montreal Alouettes.

In 1998, the Lions started slowly but finished strong with a six-game winning streak. They made the playoffs but lost a close game to Edmonton. In 1999, expectations were high. The Lions had a great season, finishing first in their division with a 13–5 record. However, they lost a heartbreaking playoff game at home to Calgary.

2000 Grey Cup Champions

The Lions started the 2000 with one goal: win the Grey Cup. The season was full of ups and downs. After a tough start, coach Steve Buratto took over. The team found its rhythm, especially the offense. Quarterback Damon Allen broke a CFL record for career passing yards.

The Lions finished the year 8–10, in third place. But they were a team no one wanted to face. They won a close semi-final game against Edmonton with a last-second field goal by Lui Passaglia. Then, they beat Calgary in the Western finals. On November 26, 2000, the Lions won their fourth championship, beating the Montreal Alouettes 28–26 in the 88th Grey Cup. This was the first time a team with a losing record won the Grey Cup. It was also the end of Lui Passaglia's amazing 25-year career.

In 2001, the Lions made the playoffs but lost to Calgary. In 2002, Bob Ackles returned as president. The Lions finished 10–8 but lost in the semi-finals. This was Damon Allen's last season with the Lions. He was the team's all-time leader in passing yards.

The Buono Era (2003–2011)

The 2003 CFL season began a new era with Wally Buono as head coach and general manager. The Lions acquired quarterback Dave Dickenson. They finished 11–7 and made the playoffs but lost to Toronto.

The 2004 CFL season was one of the Lions' best. They went 13–5 and finished first in their division. Quarterback Casey Printers set a CFL record for completion percentage in a game. Printers was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Player. The Lions reached the 92nd Grey Cup but lost to Toronto.

BC Lions vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders, October 1 2005-cropped
Dave Dickenson calls out a play against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2005

In 2005, there was a debate about who should be the starting quarterback: Printers or Dickenson. The team chose Dickenson. The Lions started with 11 wins in a row! However, Dickenson got injured, and the team struggled later in the season. They lost in the Western Finals.

2006 Grey Cup Champions

In the 2006 season, Casey Printers left for the NFL. Dave Dickenson was the starter, but Buck Pierce also played due to injuries. The Lions also got kicker Paul McCallum. After a slow start, the team won six games in a row. They had a strong defense and receiver Geroy Simon had a record-breaking season.

CFL 2006 West Division Final at BC Place
The 2006 West Division final at BC Place

The Lions finished first in their division with a 13–5 record. They crushed the Roughriders 45–18 in the West final. On November 19, the BC Lions won their fifth Grey Cup championship! They defeated the Montreal Alouettes 25–14 in Winnipeg. Dave Dickenson was named MVP, and Paul McCallum was the Most Valuable Canadian. Coach Buono won his third CFL Coach of the Year Award.

The 2007 CFL season was another great one. The Lions set a new record with 14 wins, 3 losses, and 1 tie. They finished first in the West Division for the fourth year in a row. However, their dream of another Grey Cup ended with a tough 26–17 loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Western Final.

The 2008 season started with sadness when team president Bobby Ackles passed away. The team wore a special orange paw on their helmets to honor him. The Lions had some struggles but finished with an 11–7 record. They won their playoff game against Saskatchewan but lost to Calgary in the Western final.

In 2009, many veteran players left the team. The Lions used five different quarterbacks due to injuries. They finished fourth in the West but crossed over to the Eastern Division playoffs. They won their semi-final game but lost to Montreal in the Eastern final.

Lions Opener
The Lions played their 2010 home games at Empire Field.

The 2010 season saw more players leave. The Lions played their home games at Empire Field while BC Place Stadium was being renovated. The season started with a win but then seven straight losses. Quarterback Travis Lulay became the starter later in the season. The Lions won their last three games to make the playoffs but lost in double overtime to Saskatchewan.

2011 Grey Cup Champions

The 2011 BC Lions season was an amazing comeback story. The team had many questions at the start. They lost their first five games! But then, they signed new players like Arland Bruce. After a 1–6 start, the Lions went on an incredible 8-game winning streak. This moved them to the top of the West Division.

Grey Cup 2011
The Lions on offense at the 99th Grey Cup against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The Lions finished 11–7 and clinched first place. In the West Division Final, they dominated the Edmonton Eskimos 40–23. This meant they would play in the 99th Grey Cup at their home stadium, BC Place! In the Grey Cup, the Lions beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 34–23 in front of their home crowd. They won their sixth Grey Cup championship! Travis Lulay was named MVP, and Andrew Harris was the Most Valuable Canadian. The BC Lions became the first team to start a season 0–5 and win the Grey Cup.

After the win, coach Wally Buono stepped down as head coach but stayed as general manager. The BC Lions were named the Canadian Press Team of the Year for 2011.

Recent Seasons (2012–Present)

Mike Benevides became the new head coach in 2012. The team saw some changes in players. In 2014, Benevides was let go, and Jeff Tedford became head coach. In 2015, rookie quarterback Jonathan Jennings became the starter. Tedford resigned after one season, and Wally Buono returned as head coach in 2016.

In 2016, Buono led the team to a second-place finish. They won their semi-final game but lost in the West Final. In 2017, the Lions missed the playoffs for the first time since 1996. Buono stepped down as general manager but stayed as head coach for his final season in 2018. The team made the playoffs as a crossover team but lost in the East Semi-Final. DeVone Claybrooks became head coach in 2018 but lasted only one season. Rick Campbell became the new head coach in December 2019.

In October 2020, owner David Braley passed away. He left money to help the team keep operating. On August 18, 2021, Amar Doman bought the BC Lions. In 2022, the Lions returned to the playoffs. Quarterback Nathan Rourke led them to a 12–6 record. They won their semi-final game but lost to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the West Final. The 2023 season had a similar result: a 12–6 record, a semi-final win, and a loss to Winnipeg in the West Final.

The 2024 season was the BC Lions' 70th year. They hosted big events, including a sold-out home opener with a performance by 50 Cent. On August 31, the Lions played the first Touchdown Pacific game in Victoria, British Columbia. They also hosted the 111th Grey Cup game at BC Place on November 17, 2024.

Current Roster

BC Lions roster
Quarterbacks
  •  8 Vernon Adams
  • 11 Michael O'Connor
  • 17 Antonio Pipkin
  • 12 Nathan Rourke
  • -- Breylin Smith

Receivers

  • 86 Jevon Cottoy
  •  4 Keon Hatcher
  • 13 Alexander Hollins
  • -- Devin Lucien
  • 89 Josh Pearson
  • 88 Daniel Petermann
  • 19 Dominique Rhymes
  • 80 Shai Ross
  • 82 Jacob Scarfone
  • 84 Jamarius Way
  •  7 Lucky Whitehead
  • 87 Terry Williams
Running backs
  • 25 Bruce Anderson
  • 24 James Butler
  • -- Nate Chavious

Fullbacks

  • 34 David Mackie
  • 35 Mario Villamizar

Offensive linemen

  • 69 Jarell Broxton
  • 65 Sukh Chungh
  • 61 Joel Figueroa
  • 51 Peter Godber
  • -- J. R. Hensley
  • 66 David Knevel
  • 50 Phillip Norman
  • 62 Tyler Packer
  • 54 Andrew Peirson
  • 59 Kent Perkins
  • 57 Tristen Taylor
  • 67 Kenny Thomas
  • 55 Noah Zerr
Defensive linemen
  • -- Nate Anderson
  • 94 Joshua Archibald
  • 92 Josh Banks
  • 58 Woody Baron
  • 90 Mathieu Betts
  • 91 Nathan Cherry
  • 49 Tibo Debaillie
  • -- Isaiah Gay
  • 99 Miles Fox
  • 98 Obum Gwacham
  • -- Alex McCalister
  • 56 David Ménard
  • 96 Riley Pickett
  •  8 Steven Richardson
  • -- Alex Tchangam
  • 47 Sione Teuhema
  • -- Kameron Toomer
  • 76 Adam Wallace

Linebackers

  •  2 Kevin Francis
  • 44 Isaiah Guzylak-Messam
  • 53 Ben Hladik
  • 20 Boseko Lokombo
  • 32 Maxime Rouyer
  • 73 Ryder Varga
  • 21 Jordan Williams
  •  3 Josh Woods
Defensive backs
  • 23 Delvin Breaux
  • 26 Tyneil Cooper
  • 29 Jalon Edwards-Cooper
  • 42 Jacob Firlotte
  • -- Joshua Flowers
  • 39 Adrian Greene
  • 18 Hakeem Johnson
  •  6 T. J. Lee
  • 36 Quincy Mauger
  •  1 Garry Peters
  •  0 Loucheiz Purifoy
  • 33 Emmanuel Rugamba
  • 14 Marcus Sayles

Special teams

  • 40 Tanner Doll LS
  • 41 Stefan Flintoft P
  • 10 Sean Whyte K

Suspended

  • 99 Cam Kitchen DT
  • -- Kyle Clarot DB
  • 68 Boqiao Li LB
  • 33 Taquan Mizzell RB
  • -- De'Anthony Thomas WR
  •  3 Michael Warren II RB
  • 96 Tim Williams DL
Italics indicate American player • Bold indicates Global player • 77 Roster, 7 Suspended
Roster updated 2023-01-02 • Depth chartTransactions • More CFL rosters

Current Coaching Staff

BC Lions staff
Front Office and Support Staff
  • Owner – Amar Doman
  • President and CEO – Rick LeLacheur
  • Vice President, Business – George Chayka
  • Chief Operating Officer – Duane Vienneau
  • General Managers – Rick Campbell and Neil McEvoy
  • Director of Football Operations – Neil McEvoy
  • Assistant General Manager and Director of Player Personnel – Ryan Rigmaiden
  • Director of Canadian Scouting & CFL Draft Coordinator – Rob Ralph
  • Video Coordinator – Derek Oswalt
  • Head Athletic Therapist – Tristan Sandhu
  • Equipment Manager – Aaron Yeung
 

Head Coaches

  • Head Coach – Rick Campbell

Offensive Coaches

  • Offensive Coordinator – Jordan Maksymic
  • Receivers – Jason Tucker
  • Offensive Line – Kelly Bates
  • Running backs – Trysten Dyce

Defensive Coaches

  • Defensive Coordinator – Ryan Phillips
  • Defensive Line – John Bowman
  • Linebackers – Travis Brown
  • Defensive Assistant – Tanya Walter

Special Teams Coaches

  • Special Teams Coordinator – Don Yanowsky
  • Special Teams Assistant – Derek Oswalt

Coaching Staff
→ More CFL staffs

Players and Builders of Note

Retired Numbers

The BC Lions have ten retired jersey numbers. This is the second-most in the Canadian Football League.

BC Lions retired numbers
No. Player Position Tenure Championships
5 Lui Passaglia K/P 1976–2000 1985, 1994, 2000
15 Willie "The Wisp" Fleming RB 1959–1966 1964
22 Joe Kapp QB 1961–1966 1964
30 Jim "Dirty Thirty" Young SB/WR 1967–1979
38 Byron "By" Bailey FB/DB 1954–1964 1964
52 Al Wilson C 1972–1986 1985
60 Jamie Taras FB/OL 1987–2002 1994, 2000
75 Norm Fieldgate E/LB 1954–1967 1964
81 Geroy Simon SB/WR 2001–2012 2006, 2011
97 Brent Johnson DE 2001–2011 2006, 2011

Canadian Football Hall of Fame

Many BC Lions players, coaches, and builders have been inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.

BC Lions Canadian Football Hall of Famers
No. Name Position Tenure Inducted No. Name Position Tenure Inducted
11 Jackie Parker QB 1968 1971 5 Lui Passaglia K/P 1976–2000 2004
Annis Stukus Head coach/General manager 1953–1955 1974 51 Ray Nettles LB 1972–1976 2005
38 Byron Bailey FB/DB 1976–1988 1975 Victor Spencer Builder NA 2006
75 Norm Fieldgate LB 1976–1978 1975 44 Alondra Johnson LB 1989–1990 2009
Harry C. F. Spring Builder 1953–1959 1976 66 Jim Mills OT 1986–1993, 1995 2009
15 Willie Fleming RB 1959–1966 1982 Don Matthews Head coach 1983–1987 2011
69 Tom Brown HB 1961–1967 1984 14 Danny McManus QB 1993–1995 2011
22 Joe Kapp QB 1961–1966 1984 9 Damon Allen QB 1996–2002 2011
Eagle Keys Head coach 1971–1975 1990 David Braley Owner 1997–2020 2012
54 Tom Hinton G/T 1958–1966 1991 99 Tyrone Jones LB 1993 2012
30 Jim Young SB 1967–1979 1991 Wally Buono Head coach/General manager 1956–1964 2014
76 Bill Baker DE 1974–1976 1994 1 Charles Roberts RB 2008 2014
18 Bill Symons HB 1966 1997 12 Dave Dickenson QB 2003–2007 2015
52 Al Wilson C 1972–1986 1998 Bob O'Billovich Head coach/General manager
Administrator
1990–1992
2003–2007
2015
11 Condredge Holloway QB 1987 1998 32 Kelvin Anderson RB 2003 2017
68 Bill Frank OT 1962–1964 2001 81 Geroy Simon SB 2001–2012 2017
40 James "Quick" Parker DE 1984–1989 2001 97 Brent Johnson DE 2001–2011 2018
Bob Ackles Administrator 1953–1986
2002–2008
2002 9 Barron Miles DB 2005–2009 2018
00 Less Browne DB 1993–1994 2002 24 Mervyn Fernandez WR 1982–1986, 1994 2019
Cal Murphy Coach 1974–1976 2004 2 David Williams WR 1988–1989 2019
10 Bernie Faloney Quarterback 1967 2004

BC Sports Hall of Fame

Many BC Lions have also been honored in the BC Sports Hall of Fame.

BC Lions in the BC Sports Hall of Fame
No. Name Position Tenure Inducted No. Name Position Tenure Inducted
75 Norm Fieldgate LB 1976–1978 1970 15 Willie Fleming RB 1959–1966 1998
38 Byron Bailey FB/DB 1976–1988 1975 22 Joe Kapp QB 1961–1966 1999
1964 BC Lions 1986 1985 BC Lions 2000
54 Tom Hinton G/T 1958–1966 1992 5 Lui Passaglia K/P 1976–2000 2001
30 Jim Young SB 1967–1979 1994 Bob Ackles Administrator 1953–1986
2002–2008
2004
Jack Farley Administrator 1974–1983 1996 Herb Capozzi General manager 1957–1966 2007
52 Al Wilson C 1972–1986 1997 1994 BC Lions 2010
Annis Stukus Head coach/General manager 1953–1955 1998 25 Sean Millington RB 1991–1997
2000–2002
2010

BC Lions Wall of Fame

The BC Lions Wall of Fame is located at BC Place Stadium. It honors important players and teams.

  • Paul Higgins
  • Tom Hinton
  • Sonny Homer
  • Glen Jackson
  • Brent Johnson
  • Ron Jones
  • Joe Kapp
  • Kato Kasuya
  • Carl Kidd
  • Rick Klassen
  • Kevin Konar
  • Don Mackenzie
  • Cory Mantyka
  • Don Matthews
  • Allan McEachern
  • Sean Millington
  • Jim Mills
  • Mack Moore
  • Bill Munsey
  • Ray Nettles
  • Creighton O'Malley
  • John Pankratz
  • Joe Paopao
  • James "Quick" Parker
  • Lui Passaglia
  • Vic Rapp
  • Bill Recheilt
  • Dal Richards
  • Gerald Roper
  • Geroy Simon
  • Ian Sinclair
  • Dave Skrien
  • Victor Spencer
  • Harry Spring
  • Annis Stukus
  • Ken Sugarman
  • Jamie Taras
  • John Henry White
  • Al Wilson
  • Jim Young

Team Management History

Head Coaches

  • Annis Stukus (1954–1955)
  • Clem Crowe (1956–1958)
  • Danny Edwards (1958)
  • Wayne Robinson (1959–1961)
  • Dave Skrien (1961–1967)
  • Jim Champion (1967–1969)
  • Jackie Parker (1969–1970)
  • Eagle Keys (1971–1975)
  • Cal Murphy (1975–1976)
  • Vic Rapp (1977–1982)
  • Don Matthews (1983–1987)
  • Larry Donovan (1987–1989)
  • Joe Galat (1989)
  • Lary Kuharich (1990)
  • Jim Young (1990)
  • Bob O'Billovich (1990–1992)
  • Dave Ritchie (1993–1995)
  • Joe Paopao (1996)
  • Adam Rita (1997–1998)
  • Greg Mohns (1998–2000)
  • Steve Buratto (2000–2002)
  • Adam Rita (2002)
  • Wally Buono (2003–2011, 2016–2018)
  • Mike Benevides (2012–2014)
  • Jeff Tedford (2015–2016)
  • DeVone Claybrooks (2019)
  • Rick Campbell (2020–2024)
  • Buck Pierce (2025–present)

General Managers

  • Phil Webb (1954–1956)
  • Herb Capozzi (1957–1966)
  • Denny Veitch (1967–1970)
  • Jackie Parker (1971–1975)
  • Bob Ackles (1975–1985)
  • Joe Galat (1986–1989)
  • Joe Kapp (1990)
  • Jim Young (1990)
  • Bob O'Billovich (1990–1992)
  • Eric Tillman (1993–1994)
  • Dave Ritchie (1995)
  • George Chayka (1996)
  • Adam Rita (1997–2002)
  • Wally Buono (2003–2017)
  • Ed Hervey (2017–2020)
  • Rick Campbell and Neil McEvoy (2021–2024)
  • Ryan Rigmaiden (2025–present)

Owners

Team Presidents

  • Arthur E. Mercer (1953)
  • Don Mackenzie (1954–1956)
  • Bill McMahan (1957)
  • Harry Spring (1958–1959)
  • Ralph Henderson (1960–1961)
  • C. B. Delbridge (1962–1964)
  • Alan Eyre (1965–1966)
  • Allan McEachern (1967–1969)
  • Ian Barclay (1970)
  • Wes Munsie (1970–1974)
  • Bill McEwen (1975)
  • Doug Johnston (1975–1976)
  • Jack Farley (1977–1978)
  • Paul Higgins (1979–1982)
  • Ron Jones (1983–1985)
  • Grant MacLaren (1986)
  • Charles Walker (1986–1987)
  • James O'Leary Hogan (1988)
  • Norm Fieldgate (1989)
  • Joe Kapp (1990)
  • Frank Gigliotti (1991–1992)
  • Bill Comrie (1993)
  • Peter Classon (1994)
  • Doug Bodie (1995)
  • Michael P. McCarthy (1996)
  • Glen Ringdal (1997–2001)
  • Bob Ackles (2002–2008)
  • David Braley (2009, 2017)
  • Dennis Skulsky (2010–2016)
  • Rick LeLacheur (2018–2022)
  • Duane Vienneau (2022–present)

50th Anniversary Dream Team

This team was chosen by fans in 2003 to celebrate the Lions' 50th anniversary.

Offence

  • QB—Doug Flutie—1990–1991
  • RB—Willie Fleming—1959–1966
  • FB—Sean Millington—1991–1997 and 2000–2002
  • SB—Darren Flutie—1991–1995
  • TE—Harry Holt—1978–1982
  • WR—Mervyn Fernandez—1982–1986 and 1994
  • WR—Jim Young—1967–1979
  • C—Al Wilson—1972–1986
  • OG—Tom Hinton—1958–1966
  • OG—Jamie Taras—1987–2002
  • OT—John Blain—1977–1987
  • OT—Jim Mills—1986–1993, 1995

Defence

  • DT—Mike Cacic—1957–1958 and 1960–1967
  • DT—Rick Klassen—1981–1987 and 1990
  • DE—James "Quick" Parker—1984–1989
  • DE—Nick Hebeler—1979–1985
  • LB—Glen Jackson—1976–1987
  • LB—Tom Brown—1961–1967
  • LB—Norm Fieldgate—1954–1967
  • CB—Joe Fourqurean—1973–1981
  • CB—Eric Carter—1999–2003
  • DB—Larry Crawford—1981–1989
  • DB—Andre Francis—1986–1988 and 1992–1993
  • S—Bill Munsey—1963–1967

Special Teams

  • P/K—Lui Passaglia—1976–2000
  • KR—Leon Bright—1977–1980

Coach

  • Don Matthews—1983–1987

Season Records

For detailed information on each season, see BC Lions seasons.

Radio Broadcasts

The BC Lions games are broadcast on a network of 15 radio stations. The main station is CKGO Vancouver (730 AM). Other stations include CFAX Victoria (1070 AM) and CKFR Kelowna (1150 AM).

A notable broadcaster for the BC Lions is John Badham, who is in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.

Mascot

Leo the Lion is the official mascot for the BC Lions team.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: BC Lions para niños

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BC Lions Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.