Advertisement

Learn more about Free Press Advertising solutions

CFL

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS High school football star Mekhi Tyrell has garnered attention from high-profile U.S. college programs and CFL teams.

Winnipeg receiver turning heads

Mike Sawatzky 5 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

The label ‘generational player’ is thrown around much too casually these days.

Advertisement

Advertise With Us

Weather

Dec. 26, 12 AM: 0°c Cloudy with wind Dec. 26, 6 AM: -1°c Cloudy with wind

Winnipeg MB

0°C, Cloudy with wind

Full Forecast

Blue Bombers sign veteran American offensive tackle Hardrick to a one-year extension

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Blue Bombers sign veteran American offensive tackle Hardrick to a one-year extension

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023

WINNIPEG - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers signed veteran American offensive tackle Jermarcus Hardrickto a one-year contract extension Wednesday.

The six-foot-five, 319-pound Hardrick was slated to become a free agent next month.

Hardrick returns for a seventh season with Winnipeg. He started 17 regular-season games at right tackle last season and was part of a Bombers offence that finished first in touchdowns (58) and second in offensive points (28.2), rushing yards (113.5) and fewest sacks (29).

Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros was named the CFL's outstanding player for a second consecutive season while running back Brady Oliveira recorded his first 1,000-yard rushing campaign.

Read
Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023

Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Mike O'Shea jokes around with Jermarcus Hardrick (51) during practice at training camp in Winnipeg Thursday, May 19, 2022. The Blue Bombers signed the veteran American offensive tackle Hardrick to a one-year contract extension Wednesday.THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods
Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Mike O'Shea jokes around with Jermarcus Hardrick (51) during practice at training camp in Winnipeg Thursday, May 19, 2022. The Blue Bombers signed the veteran American offensive tackle Hardrick to a one-year contract extension Wednesday.THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

McEvoy, Lions patiently awaiting Rourke’s decision as QB works out with NFL clubs

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

McEvoy, Lions patiently awaiting Rourke’s decision as QB works out with NFL clubs

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023

Neil McEvoy is of two minds when it comes to the football future of Nathan Rourke.

On one hand, he's pleased to see a CFL player get opportunities to prove himself south of the border. But as the B.C. Lions co-general manager and director, football operations, McEvoy laments the prospect of not only losing a starting quarterback but a seemingly generational talent at the position.

"I'm excited for Nathan and football in Canada that the big dogs in the NFL are giving young men who usually haven't had the same pedigree an opportunity to play football at the NFL level," McEvoy said during a telephone interview from the CFL winter meetings in Kananaskis, Alta. "As an administrator with the B.C. Lions, obviously I'd love to have him stay and continue to build off of what he brought, but at the end of the day we may not be able to do that.

"We have contingency plans and we're comfortable with whatever direction he decides to take."

Read
Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023

B.C. Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke throws the football before the CFL Western semifinal against the Calgary Stampeders in Vancouver on Sunday, November 6, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
B.C. Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke throws the football before the CFL Western semifinal against the Calgary Stampeders in Vancouver on Sunday, November 6, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Edmonton Elks re-sign American defensive lineman Jake Ceresna to two-year contract

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023

EDMONTON - The Edmonton Elks re-signed American defensive lineman Jake Ceresna to a two-year contract Wednesday.

Ceresna, 28, was a CFL all-star for the first time last season.

He had a team-high 10 sacks, four forced fumbles and 31 tackles in 12 regular-season games.

Ceresna began his CFL career with the Ottawa Redblacks (2017).

Steinauer: Contract talks continue between Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Bo Levi Mitchell

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

Steinauer: Contract talks continue between Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Bo Levi Mitchell

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023

No news on the Bo Levi Mitchell front seems to be good news for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Hamilton acquired Mitchell's rights from the Calgary Stampeders in November for a 2023 third-round pick, '24 fifth-round selection and future considerations. That gave the Ticats an exclusive negotiating window with the veteran quarterback until Feb. 14, when he's slated to become a CFL free agent.

Mitchell hasn't yet signed with Hamilton, but the two sides continue to talk.

"There's ongoing communication and we're hopeful to get a deal done," Orlondo Steinauer, Hamilton's head coach/president of football operations, said via telephone from the CFL winter meetings in Kananaskis, Alta. "There's been consistent communication before and after the New Year and our position remains the same, that we'd like to get something done."

Read
Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023

Calgary Stampeders quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell warms up before the CFL western semifinal football game against the B.C. Lions in Vancouver on Sunday, November 6, 2022. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats acquired Mitchell's rights from the Stampeders in November for a 2023 third-round pick, '24 fifth-round selection and future considerations.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Calgary Stampeders quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell warms up before the CFL western semifinal football game against the B.C. Lions in Vancouver on Sunday, November 6, 2022. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats acquired Mitchell's rights from the Stampeders in November for a 2023 third-round pick, '24 fifth-round selection and future considerations.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Coach Dinwiddie expects every CFL team to be gunning for Grey Cup champion Argonauts

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

Coach Dinwiddie expects every CFL team to be gunning for Grey Cup champion Argonauts

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023

Head coach Ryan Dinwiddie is good with the Toronto Argonauts being a measuring stick in 2023.

As the defending Grey Cup champion, Toronto can expect an opponent's best effort this season. But Dinwiddie figures the Argos won't be the only CFL team with a bull's-eye firmly on its chest in 2023.

"I think everybody is going to be gunning for us but I'm sure Winnipeg is going to be in the same boat," Dinwiddie said via telephone Tuesday from the CFL winter meetings in Kananaskis, Alta. "They also played in the (Grey Cup), they won the West … I think both teams will kind of have a bull's-eye on them.

"With us playing Hamilton four times that (Grey Cup win) is going to increase the excitement of those games. It's just what it is, I'm looking forward to it."

Read
Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023

Toronto Argonauts head coach Ryan Dinwiddie watches a drill during CFL training camp at Alumni Stadium in Guelph, Ont., Friday, May 20, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nick Iwanyshyn
Toronto Argonauts head coach Ryan Dinwiddie watches a drill during CFL training camp at Alumni Stadium in Guelph, Ont., Friday, May 20, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nick Iwanyshyn

Damar Hamlin’s horrific injury gives CFL opportunity to discuss, review protocols

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Damar Hamlin’s horrific injury gives CFL opportunity to discuss, review protocols

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023

It's a story that's now trending in a positive direction, but Damar Hamlin's horrific injury is providing the CFL, its executives and its head coaches with a talking point at the league's winter meetings.

Hamlin a 24-year-old safety with the Buffalo Bills, suffered cardiac arrest and collapsed during a game Jan. 2 against Cincinnati. With a North American television audience looking on, Hamlin stood up after tackling Bengals receiver Tee Higgins before collapsing on the field.

Players from both teams surrounded Hamlin while he was being administered CPR on the field. He was reportedly also treated with an automated external defibrillator (AED) before being taken by ambulance to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center roughly 19 minutes after collapsing.

On Monday, Hamlin was released from the intensive care unit at the Cincinnati hospital and transferred to one in Buffalo for ongoing care. That morning, Hamlin was upgraded from critical condition and met several requirements for transport, including no longer needing intensive nursing care or respiratory therapy.

Read
Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023

Randy Ambrosie delivers an address at the Hamilton Convention Centre, in Hamilton, Ontario on Friday, December 10, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nick Iwanyshyn
Randy Ambrosie delivers an address at the Hamilton Convention Centre, in Hamilton, Ontario on Friday, December 10, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nick Iwanyshyn

Offensive lineman Williams re-signs with Stampeders, Good-Jones released to NFL

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Offensive lineman Williams re-signs with Stampeders, Good-Jones released to NFL

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Monday, Jan. 9, 2023

CALGARY - Canadian offensive lineman Zack Williams signed a two-year contract extension with the Calgary Stampeders on Monday.

Williams, a 2019 third-round CFL draft pick, was eligible to become a free agent next month.

“We’re excited to bring Zack back for two more years and for him to continue his development as a key piece of one of the top O-line groups in the CFL,” Stampeders GM/head coach Dave Dickenson said in a statement. “We want players like Zack on our team, and we look forward to watching him work in 2023.”

Williams started all 18 regular-season games at left guard in 2022. Calgary's offensive line allowed a league-low 17 sacks while the Stampeders averaged a CFL-high 135.3 rushing yards per game.

Read
Monday, Jan. 9, 2023

Calgary Stampeders' Zack Williams (67), Malik Henry (82) and Sean McEwen (51) celebrate Henry's touchdown against the B.C. Lions during the second half of a CFL football game in Vancouver, on Friday, November 12, 2021. Canadian offensive lineman Williams signed a two-year contract extension with the Calgary Stampeders on Monday. Williams, a 2019 third-round CFL draft pick, was eligible to become a free agent next month. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Calgary Stampeders' Zack Williams (67), Malik Henry (82) and Sean McEwen (51) celebrate Henry's touchdown against the B.C. Lions during the second half of a CFL football game in Vancouver, on Friday, November 12, 2021. Canadian offensive lineman Williams signed a two-year contract extension with the Calgary Stampeders on Monday. Williams, a 2019 third-round CFL draft pick, was eligible to become a free agent next month. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Stampeders’ Sindani suspended two games for performance-enhancing drug violation

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Stampeders’ Sindani suspended two games for performance-enhancing drug violation

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Friday, Jan. 6, 2023

Calgary Stampeders wide receiver Richie Sindani was suspended two games by the CFL on Friday for testing positive for banned substances.

The 27-year-old from Regina tested positive for Methandienone and Stanozolol, the league said in a statement.

"We were very disappointed when informed of Richie’s violation," the Stampeders said in a statement. "The team trusts he will learn from his mistake and avoid another occurrence.

"This incident once again proves players need to be fully cognizant about the supplements they are taking."

Read
Friday, Jan. 6, 2023

Calgary Stampeders' Richie Sindani (87) fails to hold onto the ball while attempting to make a reception in the end zone as B.C. Lions' T.J. Lee (6) defends during the second half of CFL football game in Vancouver, on Saturday, September 24, 2022. Calgary Stampeders wide receiver Richie Sindani was suspended two games by the CFL on Friday for testing positive for banned substances. The 27-year-old from Regina tested positive for Methandienone and Stanozolol, the league said in a statement. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Calgary Stampeders' Richie Sindani (87) fails to hold onto the ball while attempting to make a reception in the end zone as B.C. Lions' T.J. Lee (6) defends during the second half of CFL football game in Vancouver, on Saturday, September 24, 2022. Calgary Stampeders wide receiver Richie Sindani was suspended two games by the CFL on Friday for testing positive for banned substances. The 27-year-old from Regina tested positive for Methandienone and Stanozolol, the league said in a statement. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Veteran tackle Stanley Bryant signs extension with Blue Bombers

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Veteran tackle Stanley Bryant signs extension with Blue Bombers

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023

WINNIPEG - Stanley Bryant is staying put.

The CFL's outstanding lineman last season signed a one-year extension with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Thursday. The six-foot-five, 313-pound Bryant was slated to become a free agent next month.

Bryant will return for his eighth season in Winnipeg and 13th in the CFL. He began his tenure in Canada with the Calgary Stampeders (2010-14).

Bryant was named the CFL's top lineman last year a record fourth time (2017, '18, '21, '22) and was a finalist for the honour in 2019. He was also named a league all-star for a seventh time.

Read
Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023

Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive lineman Stanley Bryant (66) and defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat (94) battle for position during Grey Cup team practice in Regina, Friday, Nov. 18, 2022. The CFL's outstanding lineman last season signed a one-year extension with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Thursday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu
Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive lineman Stanley Bryant (66) and defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat (94) battle for position during Grey Cup team practice in Regina, Friday, Nov. 18, 2022. The CFL's outstanding lineman last season signed a one-year extension with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Thursday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu

B.C. Lions release veteran American defensive back Loucheiz Purifoy

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

B.C. Lions release veteran American defensive back Loucheiz Purifoy

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023

VANCOUVER - The B.C. Lions released veteran American defensive back Loucheiz Purifoy on Wednesday.

Purifoy, 30, had 55 tackles, nine special-teams tackles, three interceptions and a sack in 18 regular-season games last season, his third with the Lions. The five-foot-11, 190-pound Purifoy was named a CFL all-star at the safety position.

Purifoy spent his first two CFL seasons with B.C. (2016-17). He also spent time with Ottawa (2018) and Saskatchewan (2018-19, '21).

He has appeared in 101 career regular-season games, registering 282 tackles, 30 special-teams tackles, eight sacks, 16 interceptions and four forced fumbles.

Read
Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023

B.C. Lions defensive back Loucheiz Purifoy, right, nearly makes an interception on a pass intended for Hamilton Tiger-Cats' Bralon Addison during the second half of CFL football game in Vancouver, on Thursday, July 21, 2022. The Lions released Purifoy on Wednesday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
B.C. Lions defensive back Loucheiz Purifoy, right, nearly makes an interception on a pass intended for Hamilton Tiger-Cats' Bralon Addison during the second half of CFL football game in Vancouver, on Thursday, July 21, 2022. The Lions released Purifoy on Wednesday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Redblacks sign receiver/returner DeVonte Dedmon to two-year extension

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Redblacks sign receiver/returner DeVonte Dedmon to two-year extension

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023

OTTAWA - The Ottawa Redblacks have signed receiver and return specialist DeVonte Dedmon to a two-year contract extension.

The 26-year-old rejoined the Redblacks during the 2022 season after pursuing an NFL opportunity with the Miami Dolphins. He suited up for six games and 13 punt returns for 174 yards and eight kickoff returns for 182 yards.

Dedmon was named the CFL's outstanding special teams player in 2001 after totalling 2,841 return yards, and three touchdowns. He became the fastest player in CFL history to record five return touchdowns in his career.

In 22 career CFL games, Dedmon has returned 83 punts for 1,250 yards and three touchdowns, along with 73 kick returns for 1,947 yards and two touchdowns.

Read
Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023

Hamilton Tiger-Cats kicker Michael Domagala (19) wraps his arms around Ottawa Redblacks wide receiver DeVonte Dedmon (17) during first half CFL football action in Ottawa on Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
Hamilton Tiger-Cats kicker Michael Domagala (19) wraps his arms around Ottawa Redblacks wide receiver DeVonte Dedmon (17) during first half CFL football action in Ottawa on Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Nik Lewis, Juwan Simpson return to Calgary Stampeders as coaches

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Nik Lewis, Juwan Simpson return to Calgary Stampeders as coaches

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023

CALGARY - Two former Calgary Stampeders are returning to the CFL club as coaches.

Nik Lewis and Juwan Simpson were named Calgary's receivers and defensive line coach respectively for the 2023 season on Tuesday.

Hall of Famer Lewis played receiver for 11 seasons with the Stampeders, and Simpson was a defensive back for eight.

Both won Grey Cups with Calgary in 2008 and 2014.

Read
Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023

Calgary Stampeders' Nik Lewis, walks off the field during the first day of training camp in Calgary, Alta., Sunday, June 1, 2014. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Calgary Stampeders' Nik Lewis, walks off the field during the first day of training camp in Calgary, Alta., Sunday, June 1, 2014. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Toronto Argonauts part ways with veteran CFL receiver Brandon Banks

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Toronto Argonauts part ways with veteran CFL receiver Brandon Banks

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023

TORONTO - Brandon Banks first season with the Toronto Argonauts will be his last.

The CFL club announced Tuesday it has parted ways with the veteran American receiver.

"Brandon arrived here as a bitter rival and leaves as a member of the Argos family,” Argos' general manager Michael Clemons said in a statement. "We thank him for his contributions on the field and for his veteran leadership in the locker room.

"His time in Double Blue may have been Speedy, but now he’ll always B a champion."

Read
Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023

Toronto Argonauts wide receiver Brandon Banks (16) waves at the Hamilton fans after making his second touchdown of the game during second half CFL football game action against the Hamilton Tiger Cats in Hamilton, Ont. on Monday, September 5, 2022. The Argonauts announced Tuesday it has parted ways with the veteran American receiver. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter Power
Toronto Argonauts wide receiver Brandon Banks (16) waves at the Hamilton fans after making his second touchdown of the game during second half CFL football game action against the Hamilton Tiger Cats in Hamilton, Ont. on Monday, September 5, 2022. The Argonauts announced Tuesday it has parted ways with the veteran American receiver. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter Power

Redblacks sign defensive lineman Cleyon Laing to two-year extension

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Redblacks sign defensive lineman Cleyon Laing to two-year extension

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022

OTTAWA - The Ottawa Redblacks have signed defensive lineman Cleyon Laing to a two-year extension.

Laing had 26 defensive tackles and three sacks in 18 games last season, his ninth in the CFL.

The Edmonton native broke into the CFL with Toronto in 2013 and spent three seasons with the Argonauts before an NFL stint with the Miami Dolphins.

He returned to the CFL in 2016, joining the Redblacks for one regular-season game before helping the team win its first Grey Cup.

Read
Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022

B.C. Lions quarterback Michael Reilly (13) is sacked by Ottawa Redblacks lineman Cleyon Laing during the first half of a CFL football game in Vancouver, on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. The Redblacks have signed Laing to a two-year extension. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
B.C. Lions quarterback Michael Reilly (13) is sacked by Ottawa Redblacks lineman Cleyon Laing during the first half of a CFL football game in Vancouver, on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. The Redblacks have signed Laing to a two-year extension. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

CFL schedule prompts usual complaints

Jeff Hamilton 7 minute read Preview

CFL schedule prompts usual complaints

Jeff Hamilton 7 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022

When making the CFL schedule, one thing that’s consistent from year to year is that every market is going to have something to complain about.

Read
Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022

The Toronto Argonauts have a bye to open next season. (Frank Gunn / The Canadian Press files)
The Toronto Argonauts have a bye to open next season. (Frank Gunn / The Canadian Press files)

LOAD MORE