Sam Berger (lawyer) facts for kids
| Born: | January 1, 1900 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
|---|---|
| Died: | July 24, 1992 (aged 92) Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Owner President |
| Career history | |
| As administrator | |
| 1930–1968 | Ottawa Rough Riders |
| 1969–1981 | Montreal Alouettes |
| Career stats | |
|
|
Samuel Berger (January 1, 1900 – July 24, 1992) was a very important person in Canadian football. He owned two teams in the Canadian Football League (CFL): the Ottawa Rough Riders and the Montreal Alouettes. He also served as the president of the CFL.
Contents
Who Was Sam Berger?
Sam Berger was a lawyer who loved football from a young age. He became deeply involved with the Ottawa Rough Riders team. He started as their legal helper, then became their president, and later, an owner.
He was the club's president for three terms, each lasting three years. During this time, the Rough Riders played in the Grey Cup championship seven times. They won the championship four times!
Sam's Early Life and Career
Sam played football for his high school team at Lisgar Collegiate Institute in Ottawa. After high school, he worked as a reporter for newspapers like the Ottawa Citizen.
In 1925, he went to law school. Just two years later, he opened his own law firm in Ottawa. He was also active in the Ottawa community and even ran for mayor of the city twice.
Sam Berger's CFL Journey
Sam Berger had a long and successful career in the Canadian Football League. He helped shape two major teams and the league itself.
Leading the Ottawa Rough Riders
Sam Berger's journey with the Rough Riders began in 1930.
- In 1930, the Rough Riders hired him as their legal advisor.
- By 1940, he became the Rough Riders' president.
- In 1955, he and some friends bought the Rough Riders team.
He even found an old Grey Cup trophy that had been stored away! He discovered it in a building he owned in Ottawa.
Building the Montreal Alouettes
In 1969, Sam Berger sold his shares in the Ottawa team. He gave the money from the sale to charity. Then, he bought the Montreal Alouettes, a team that was having problems.
Over the next twelve years, he turned the Alouettes into a very strong team. They played in the Grey Cup six times and won it three times! In 1976, he retired from actively owning the Alouettes. He passed the presidency to his oldest son, David.
Working for the CFL League
Sam Berger was also the President of the entire Canadian Football League in 1964 and 1971. As a lawyer and owner, he played a big part in getting the CFL's first television contract. This helped more people watch football games.
Awards and Recognition
Sam Berger received many honors for his work.
- In 1986, he was made a Member of the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest awards for civilians. He received it for his dedication to sports and to the city of Montreal.
- In 1993, he was added to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. This means he is recognized as one of the greatest people in Canadian football history.
