The End of the Drought: How the 2019 Blue Bombers Revived a Dynasty
The Longest Drought in CFL History
For 29 years, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and their loyal fans endured a Grey Cup drought that became a defining narrative of the franchise. The last championship had come in 1990, when a team led by head coach Mike Riley and quarterback Tom Burgess defeated the Edmonton Eskimos 50-11 in a dominant performance. But what followed was a generation of near-misses, heartbreaking losses, and frustration.
The drought included agonizing Grey Cup defeats in 1992, 1993, 2001, 2007, and 2011. Each loss seemed to deepen the curse, with fans wondering if their beloved Bombers would ever reclaim the league’s ultimate prize. The 2007 Grey Cup, in particular, stung deeply, as Winnipeg fell 23-19 to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in a game that came down to the final minutes.
By the late 2010s, the Bombers were a team in transition. Head coach Mike O’Shea, hired in 2014, was tasked with rebuilding a franchise that had struggled to find consistency. The arrival of quarterback Matt Nichols in 2015 brought stability, but it wasn’t until the acquisition of Zach Collaros in 2019 that the pieces finally began to fall into place.
The 2019 Season: A Perfect Storm
The 2019 season was a turning point for the Blue Bombers. After a slow start, the team rallied behind Collaros, who had been acquired in a midseason trade with the Toronto Argonauts. Collaros’ leadership and poise under pressure breathed new life into the offense, while a dominant defense led by Willie Jefferson and Adam Bighill made Winnipeg one of the most formidable teams in the league.
The Bombers finished the regular season with an 11-7 record, earning a spot in the West Division Final. In a thrilling overtime victory against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Winnipeg secured their place in the Grey Cup. The stage was set for a showdown with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, a team that had dominated the regular season with a league-best 15-3 record.
As the Grey Cup approached, the Bombers were fueled by the weight of history. For Collaros, it was a chance to cement his legacy as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks. For O’Shea, it was an opportunity to deliver the championship that had eluded Winnipeg for nearly three decades.
The Grey Cup That Changed Everything
On November 24, 2019, the Blue Bombers faced the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the 107th Grey Cup in Calgary. In a game that showcased Winnipeg’s resilience and determination, the Bombers defeated Hamilton 33-12, ending the longest championship drought in CFL history.
Collaros was named Grey Cup MVP after throwing for 240 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Andrew Harris became the first player to win both the Grey Cup MVP and Most Outstanding Canadian awards in the same game. Harris rushed for 134 yards and a touchdown, showcasing the grit and determination that defined the Bombers’ season.
The victory was more than just a championship; it was a cathartic moment for Bombers fans who had waited nearly three decades to celebrate. The win also marked the beginning of a new era for the franchise, as Winnipeg went on to win back-to-back Grey Cups in 2021 and 2022, solidifying their place as a modern-day dynasty.
Legacy of the 2019 Bombers: A New Era
The 2019 Grey Cup victory not only ended the drought but also reshaped the identity of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Under O’Shea’s leadership, the team has become a model of consistency and excellence in the CFL. Collaros, now a two-time Grey Cup champion and two-time Most Outstanding Player, has established himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks in franchise history.
The Bombers’ success has also revitalized the fan base, with sellout crowds at IG Field becoming the norm. The team’s commitment to community and tradition has strengthened its bond with Winnipeg, making the Blue Bombers more than just a football team—they’re a source of pride for an entire city.
As the Bombers continue to compete for championships, the lessons of 2019 remain central to their identity. The perseverance, resilience, and belief that defined that season continue to inspire the team and its fans. For Bombers faithful, the end of the drought was more than just a victory—it was a reminder of what makes this team and this league so special.