Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
TORONTO — The ability to come through in the clutch is arguably sport’s most immeasurable and indefinable attribute. Yet, in the eyes of fans, it’s one of the most important.
It’s certainly one we love to talk about. One we fantasized about as kids. How heroes are born.
‘Clutch’ is a sports term that’s been around for ages now. It defines the hitter in baseball who can clear the fences with his team trailing and two out, or the star player in basketball that always drains that game-winning three — no matter how deep.
In football, it’s often the quarterback leading that game-winning drive with under a minute to go, with ice in his veins. But that’s not all.
In the last two years, Greg Ellingson and Ernest Jackson made two of the most clutch plays in recent CFL memory. On the biggest of stages.
If we can’t define clutch, we at least know it when we see it. And we say ‘that was clutch’.
Matt Dunigan and his broken collarbone winning a Grey Cup in ’91.
Milt Stegall going 100 yards on the game’s final play.
Pinball magic in the ’97 Eastern Final.
Ridgeway, Passaglia and McGoughlin with Grey Cup-winning field goals.
Some of the greatest clutch performances and moments in CFL history.
Last year had its moments, too. Of course there was Jackson’s bobbling catch in overtime of the Grey Cup. But we’re also left with images of Jonathon Jennings, just 24 years old, leading his team from 16 points down and rushing for the game-winning touchdown in a Western Semi-Final.
And if you’re taking a late lead against Bo Levi Mitchell and the Stamps, you don’t want to leave any time left on the clock.
How do you define the word ‘clutch’? And who is the most clutch player in the CFL right now? What about ever?
On Wednesday, we’ll hear from some of the league’s biggest stars. For now, we ask you.
Best in the League polls the league’s top stars on 13 different categories, from most underrated to fastest player. For past episodes and a full schedule, visit CFL.ca/BITL.
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