Former Riders exec Jim Hopson named to Canadian Football Hall of Fame

When Jim Hopson left Taylor Field for the final time as a player on the Roughriders offensive line in 1976, little did he know that 43 years later the Canadian Football Hall of Fame would come calling.

Not for his work as a player, but for his now-legendary tenure as the team’s first full-time president and chief executive officer from 2004 to 2015.

Upon taking over the position in 2004, Hopson quickly transformed the business landscape of the Roughriders, and – aided by some highly competitive teams on the field, including four Grey Cup appearances and wins in 2007 and 2013 – started the foundation that sees the team currently one of the most valuable franchises in the CFL.

It was partly through Hopson’s hard work and dedication that brand new Mosaic Stadium came into being, with the new facility opening in 2017.

The honour is just the latest for Hopson as he was inducted into the Roughriders Plaza of Honour as a builder in 2018.

Joining Hopson in the 2019 Hall of Fame class will be running back Jon Cornish, receiver Mervyn Fernandez, receiver and defensive back Ernie Pitts, receiver David Williams, receiver Terry Greer and University of B.C. coaching legend Frank Smith.

The Canadian Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place in Hamilton on Friday, Aug. 9.