Nationality USA Name Robert Wetenhall | Education Princeton University | |
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Occupation Investment Banking, Founder of New York firm McConnel Wetenhall Inc. Known for Owner of the Montreal Alouettes Football Club | ||
Robert C. Wetenhall, Sr. (also known as Bob Wetenhall) is the owner of the Montreal Alouettes Football Club of the Canadian Football League, having held that capacity since 1997.
Alongside BC Lions owner David Braley (who also acquired his franchise in 1997) Wetenhall is one of the CFL's longest-tenured private owners. He is also the only American to be the current principal owner of a CFL team.
Biography
Robert (Bob) Wetenhall was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the American Midwest. He graduated from Princeton University and became an investment banker, becoming a founding partner of McConnell Wetenhall Inc. When the American Football League and National Football League merged in the 1960s Wetenhall became a part owner of the Boston Patriots of the AFL and the New England Patriots of the NFL. In the 1970s Wetenhall became involved in a North American soccer team. In 1997 Wetenhall purchased the Montreal Alouettes Canadian Football League club. During his ownership the Alouettes played in seven Grey Cups during the 14 seasons between 1997 and 2010. In addition they won three championships in the 2002, 2009 and 2010 seasons.
He was granted an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by McGill University on November 23, 2011, in recognition of his work in the redevelopment of the Montreal Alouettes and the expansion of Percival Molson Memorial Stadium.
In 2015, he was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.