TFC: MLSE goes all out with Toronto FC’s championship rings
It’s been a rough MLS season so far for injury-ravaged Toronto FC.
But there were smiles all round this week as players collected their championship bling, a sparkling reminder of their record-breaking 2017 campaign.
The impressive rings look like the red TFC emblem has been dropped on a icy bed of diamonds.
“We’re really happy with them. I think it’s brought an MLS ring to a new level,” team president Bill Manning said. “It was something we wanted the players to be proud of.”
More than 170 diamonds, spread on white and yellow gold, with a string of individual touches, lift the giant rings out of the ordinary.
The jewelry was made by Baron Championship Rings of Tecumseh, Ont. The company specializes in championship bling, having created rings for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Sparks, Hockey Canada, Argos, London Knights and Raptors 905 among others.
Eighteen players, included the now-retired Benoit Cheyrou, plus team officials were presented with the rings at a private luncheon Monday at Casa Loma, a majestic castle home completed in 1914 by Sir Henry Pellatt that now serves as a tourist attraction and special events host.
Each player got a personalized package complete with ring, picture of the MLS Cup trophy with the TFC logo on it and their name and what looks like a bottle of Armand de Brignac Ace of Spades Brut Gold Champagne, which retails for $649.95 at the LCBO.
The rings have the red-garnet-coloured Toronto FC emblem in a black circle on the front, framed with the words MLS Cup on top and Champions below.
The player’s name and number — complete with diamond — are on one side. The Philip F. Anschutz Trophy and team motto “All for One” adorns the other.
The team’s 20-5-9 regularseason record and MLS-record 59 points are inscribed on the inside of the ring. There are three stones stamped into the bottom of the ring to mark the three trophies won: the MLS Cup, Canadian Championship and Supporters’ Shield.
The TFC players were quick to show off the new bling on social media. Striker Jozy Altidore posted a photo of himself wearing the massive rink on his little finger.