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News March 31, 2015

Argos, Bills Agree To Exhibition Matchup

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 1, 2015 

TORONTO ARGONAUTS ACCEPT REX RYAN’S CHALLENGE:

 EXHIBITION MATCHUP AGAINST BUFFALO BILLS ANNOUNCED

Toronto – The Toronto Argonauts Football Club has thrown down the gauntlet today, officially announcing that the team will take part in an exhibition matchup on May 29 against the Buffalo Bills of the NFL. The game is a throwback to the cross-league matchups of the past, when NFL and AFL teams travelled to Canada for seven matchups between 1950 and 1961. This time around, the battle shifts to Ralph Wilson stadium in Buffalo, where the teams will alternate between CFL and NFL rules each half.

“We’re extremely excited about this opportunity and we think our fans should be excited too” said Argonauts Senior Vice President David Bedford. “We first established a partnership with the Buffalo franchise through the Bills in Toronto series, and we’re excited to be taking the next logical step with a head-to-head matchup between our teams.”

The idea for a Bills – Argos matchup was first suggested in January by newly-appointed Bills Head Coach Rex Ryan, who lived in Toronto with his mother and two brothers from 1966 – 1976.

“I love Toronto,” said Ryan in an interview on Toronto radio immediately following his hiring with the Bills. “And quite honestly, if the Argos want to play us, we’ll play them too.”

Although he never had a chance to experience one first hand, Argos alumnus Nick Volpe fondly remembers the days when franchises from either side of the border squared off for bragging rights.

“I think it’s a fantastic idea, and I hope it brings back what was once a great tradition for the two leagues” said Volpe, who was a placekicker and backup quarterback on the Argonauts’ 1950 Grey Cup team. “I’ve even considered getting back into the weight room to see if I can suit up again,” joked the 89 year old.

In accordance with other challenges issued by Ryan, the Bills – Argos matchup will be followed by an exhibition game between the Bills and the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre.

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 APRIL FOOL’S UPDATE:

Now that the cat’s out of the bag and our exhibition match in Buffalo has been revealed as April Fool’s fun, we’d like to thank everyone who took part and played along, especially the Buffalo Bills! It made for an exciting and interactive day on social media, highlighted by some of our favourite tweets posted below!