The 1975 Ottawa Rough Riders finished in first place in the Eastern Conference with a 10–5–1 record.

Holloway was selected in the 12th round of the 1975 NFL draft by New England Patriots[1] but they were projecting him only as a wide receiver or defensive back.

Clements had just been dropped from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers negotiation list and following a substantial bonus offer, signed with Ottawa.

CFLPA president George Reed was furious at the Rough Riders organization.

Surprisingly, Holloway and Clements developed so quickly that Brancato decided to trade Keeling to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats prior to the season-opener.