Wednesday 24 March 2010

The Greatest Tiger-Cats of My Lifetime: #3

#3: Joe Montford
What can a guy say about Joe Montford that hasn't already been said? Without a doubt the greatest defensive player in the history of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and quite possibly the most intimidating player in the history of the CFL.

Montford was one of the best pass rushers, and he took what Grover Covington did, and revolutionized it. Montford recorded 26 sacks in 1999, which was the second most in a single season by a player. He was a 5-time CFL All Star, 3-time Defensive Player of the Year (1998, 2000, 2001) – only Calvin Tiggle's win in 1999 stopped Montford from winning four consecutive awards – and a member of the 1999 Grey Cup Championship team. Montford was also voted one of the 50 Greatest Players (#40) in 2006. Montford is a shoe-in for the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.

Montford was one of the most feared pass rushers during his tenure with the Ti-Cats. He was the catalyst for the championship-caliber defenses the Cats produced in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Montford was the leader on defense, and without his play, the Cats might never have ascended to the heights they did during his run of excellence. All of that, combined with his veracity and ferociousness, made him one of the best players to ever play in Hamilton; because of that, and all his accomplishments, he garners the #3 spot on my list.

PREVIOUS: Darren Flutie (#4)

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