Gold Miners, Mad Dogs, & Barracudas: American Teams in the CFL

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In the mid-1990s, in an effort to revitalize the league, the CFL tried an interesting experiment. They expanded into some American markets. Many Canadian fans were upset by this. Some coaches on Canadian franchises were also upset because the American teams did not have to utilize any Canadian players. The experiment only lasted a few years. It is fair to say that it was a failure. Do you remember that era? Let's see if you do!

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Dave Morrissey

Dave is an accomplished economics instructor with over two decades of experience in the prestigious International Baccalaureate program. His students have consistently ranked in the top 10% annually, and one year they achieved the highest overall class average in the world. This outstanding achievement led a UK publisher to request that he write a textbook, an offer he declined in favor of creating sports quizzes, which he found more engaging.

In addition to his teaching career, Dave is also a former high school football coach, having won a couple of local championships. While he wishes he had won more, he continues to be deeply involved in football as a scout, recruiter, and social media creator for a university football team.

Dave's passions extend beyond the classroom and football field. He is an avid fan of live music and international travel, often combining these interests. He has traveled to Spain, England, Iceland, and Chile to see bands perform. His greatest pride and joy is his daughter, who has recently excelled in powerlifting. In just a few years, she has become the Canadian record holder for the bench press in her weight class and finished second overall in the combined national event (bench, deadlift, and squat) in Moose Jaw in March 2024. She will be representing Canada at the World Bench Competition in Austin, Texas, in May 2024.

A die-hard fan of the Las Vegas Raiders, Dave has experienced his share of sports heartache, having seen them play in seven NFL cities with six losses. His all-time favorite athlete is Don Mattingly, reflecting his deep love for sports that spans many arenas.

How many American teams joined the CFL in 1994?

What former NFL Quarterback played for the Sacramento and San Antonio CFL teams?

Where did Las Vegas play its final home game in 1994?

What was Shreveport's record in their 1st CFL season?

What was the nickname of the Las Vegas CFL team?

What former NFL Head Coach was the Head Coach in Birmingham?

What was the difference between American teams and Canadian teams from 1993 to 1995?

In 1995, how many of the American CFL teams folded?

How many American teams joined the CFL in 1995?

What former NFL Head Coach was the Head Coach in Las Vegas?

In 1992, Toronto and Calgary played an exhibition game in what American city?

What NFL Hall of Famer and former NFL Head Coach was the Head Coach in Shreveport?

What future CFL Hall of Famer played QB for Birmingham?

Where was the CFL team nicknamed the Mad Dogs located?

In 1993, the 1st American team joined the CFL. What city did they play in?

What was the nickname of the CFL team in Shreveport?

In 1995, how many of the American CFL teams relocated?

Where was the CFL team nicknamed the Barracudas located?

What American-based CFL team won the 1995 Grey Cup?

What was the nickname of the CFL team in Baltimore?

What former NFL Head Coach was the Head Coach in Sacramento?

What long-time CFL coach was hired to be the Head Coach of the Baltimore CFL Franchise?

What former Kansas and Georgia Tech Head Coach was the Head Coach in Memphis?

What American-based CFL team essentially became the new Montreal Alouettes franchise in 1996?

Where did Sacramento moved to in 1995?

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Dave Morrissey