November 21, 2023 – In a thrilling showdown at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, ON, the Montreal Alouettes emerged victorious in the 110th Grey Cup, and it was Brampton native and linebacker Tyrell Richards who played a pivotal role in securing the championship.
The game, held on November 19, 2023, witnessed Richards, the talented linebacker, making a resounding impact from the outset by recording the very first tackle of the night. This early contribution set the tone for Montreal’s stellar defensive performance, ultimately leading them to Grey Cup glory.
Tyrell Richards was born in Ottawa to Anik and Nick Richards, but he grew up in Brampton with his two sisters. The linebacker, selected first overall by the Montreal Alouettes in the CFL Draft of 2022, spent his formative years in Brampton, where he honed his skills.
Richards’ 2023 season started strong, seeing him receive the top grade in the CFL’s honour roll for the month of June. Richards was named the top special-teams player with a 91.1 grade.
Richards has struggled with injuries early in his pro career, and was placed on the six-game injured list in Week 12 and did not return until Week 21, exiting early in that contest with a thigh issue. But even with the missed games, Richards recorded an impressive 10 defensive tackles, 11 special teams tackles, one forced fumble, and an interception which was returned for a touchdown in the same week as his injury. The Brampton, Ont. native is one of the league’s highest-graded special teamers when healthy and creates a true mismatch for blockers.
Richards battled back from injury to join the Alouettes in the East final. His recent return to action makes his performance at the 2023 Grey Cup all the more impressive.
The 110th Grey Cup victory marks a historic achievement for Tyrell Richards and the Montreal Alouettes. As a first-round draft pick, Richards showcased not only his individual prowess but also his ability to seamlessly integrate into the team’s strategy. The Montreal Alouettes’ decision to select him first overall in 2022 proved to be a game-changing move, and Richards has since become an integral part of the team’s success. Tyrell Richards’ connection to Brampton and his pivotal role in the Grey Cup win have elevated him not only as a standout athlete but as a cherished hometown hero. The victory will undoubtedly be etched in the annals of Brampton’s sporting history, with Tyrell Richards at the forefront of the city’s proud football legacy.