It's almost football time in Canada once again.
The 2023 Canadian Football League season kicks off Thursday night in Calgary when the Stampeders host the BC Lions. It'll mark the league's first truly normal season since 2019, with no labor unrest, pandemic protocols, or shortened schedules looming over the proceedings. The league is also coming off a successful 2022 campaign that ended with a classic Grey Cup game and a monumental upset result. Sure, there are still a few issues - this is the CFL, after all - but for the most part, fans can focus solely on the gridiron and the road to the 110th Grey Cup in Hamilton. That's a good thing for everyone who loves this league.
Here's everything you need to know about the 65th CFL season.
Things to know
Playoff schedule shuffle
The biggest change to the structure of the CFL season is moving the division semifinal and final playoff games from Sunday to Saturday for the first time since 2008 (the Grey Cup will still be played on a Sunday). It's an obvious move to avoid going up against the behemoth that is the NFL, and it's a wonder why it took so long to happen. Grey Cup ratings actually went up, but the first two rounds trended down going up against daytime NFL contests. That's not a battle the CFL will win, and that's OK. For once, the league put itself in the best position to showcase its talent and get eyeballs on its product. Only good things can come from that.
In the regular season, the CFL will also head back to Atlantic Canada, with the Toronto Argonauts and Saskatchewan Roughriders playing at Saint Mary's University in Halifax on July 29. This will be perhaps the most important of the CFL's "Touchdown Atlantic" games, with talk of a Maritimes expansion franchise once again gaining serious steam.
Rule changes worked
Last year's rule changes gave the on-field product the shot in the arm it sorely needed. A more high-tempo version of three-down football returned, with league scoring coming in at just over 50 points per game in 2022, a 14.5% increase from the shortened 2021 campaign. The CFL is supposed to be a high-scoring league, and it's great that the product is now back on track. It feels safe to expect more of the same this season.
The league revealed a few minor tweaks to its rule book ahead of the 2023 season, designed to refine last year's more seismic adjustments. Among the most notable changes:
- Teams will now start drives at the 30-yard line after interceptions or fumble recoveries in their own end zone and when a kicked ball hits the goal post.
- Defensive formations have been restricted on field goals and convert attempts.
- The ball no longer has to be touched before a rouge is awarded on kickoffs.
- If a holding penalty is assessed inside the offensive team's own end zone, the opposing team can now choose to be awarded a safety.
Team by team
There was plenty of movement during the offseason that resulted in some of the CFL's most recognizable names suddenly wearing unfamiliar colors. Let's break down all nine teams ahead of Week 1:
BC Lions
2022 record: 12-6 (24 Points), 2nd in West; lost West final
Grey Cup odds: +500
Key additions: DL Francis Bemiy, OL Michael Couture, QB Dane Evans, DL Jonathan Kongbo, DB Mike Jones, WR Justin McInnis
Key departures: RB James Butler, OT Joel Figueroa, C Peter Godber, DB Loucheiz Purifoy, QB Antonio Pipkin, QB Nathan Rourke, LB Jordan Williams
Key Canadian: LB Bo Lokombo
X-factor: QB Vernon Adams Jr.
The big question: Will someone step up in the backfield? The Lions will miss Rourke, but they have the reliable Adams - who filled in admirably when the Canadian pivot was hurt last year, and looked great in the preseason - to replace him, plus the veteran Evans now standing by behind him. The same can't be said at running back, where Butler, last year's other breakout star, bolted to Hamilton and left behind a glaring hole. BC started camp with three rookies vying for the starting tailback spot, and none of them pulled away from the competition. That left first-year tailback Taquan Mizzell and national fullback David Mackie as the lone running backs on the team's Week 1 roster (Antonio Williams was moved to the practice squad, and Buddy Howell was released). The Lions don't necessarily need Mizzell to replicate Butler's 1000-yard production for success, especially if Adams is running a pass-first offense, but it would be a boon if he, or even Williams down the road, could step up to give them some kind of reliable ground game.
Calgary Stampeders
2022 record: 12-6 (24 Points), 3rd in West; lost West semifinal
Grey Cup odds: +600
Key additions: LB Micah Awe, WR Clark Barnes, OL Jamal Campbell, DE Julian Howsare, DL Mike Moore, WR Cole Tucker, DL James Vaughters
Key departures: WR Shawn Bane Jr., OL Derek Dennis, OT Julian Good-Jones, QB Bo Levi Mitchell, DL Shawn Lemon, DL Folarin Orimolade, WR Richie Sindani, LB Jameer Thurman, CB Trumaine Washington
Key Canadian: LB Cameron Judge
X-factor: DB Titus Wall
The big question: Will the receivers do their part? This much we know about the 2023 Stampeders: They're going to be very good at running the football. Reigning rushing champion Ka'Deem Carey leads the charge, and the Stamps can also work Peyton Logan and Dedrick Mills into the backfield mix for some different looks. It's on the receiving side that a lack of depth behind Reggie Begelton and Malik Henry raises questions. Richie Sindani's departure and Jalen Philpot's likely season-ending injury left the Stamps with two major national holes to fill. Draft picks Tucker and Barnes looked good in camp but are obviously still unproven. Luther Hakunavanhu (third season) and Tre Odoms-Dukes (second) are familiar targets for Jake Maier, but it's their first shots at more prominent roles. This can all be solved if someone emerges as a bona fide third option, but until - or unless - that happens, the lack of experience and depth at receiver could be an issue for this otherwise very good team.
Edmonton Elks
2022 record: 4-14 (8 Points), 5th in West
Grey Cup odds: +2500
Key additions: OL Theren Churchill, K/P Michael Domagala*, WR Steven Dunbar Jr., P Jake Julien, DL A.C. Leonard, WR Eugene Lewis, WR Kyran Moore, DB Loucheiz Purifoy, OL Josiah St. John
Key departures: K Sergio Castillo, DL Avery Ellis, WR Kenny Lawler, WR Derel Walker, OL Tony Washington
Key Canadians: OLs Theren Churchill, Mark Corte, and Josiah St. John
X-factor: QB Taylor Cornelius
*Beginning season on practice squad
The big question: Can they take the next step? The Elks are coming off another dismal season, but head coach/GM Chris Jones obviously saw enough out of his 4-14 squad to feel like better days are near. Jones made the CFL's biggest offseason splash by signing Lewis, last year's East MOP nominee, to a deal that reportedly made him the league's highest-paid non-QB. Edmonton's league-worst D should also be improved with the additions of Purifoy and Leonard. But to get back to the postseason, Cornelius needs to mature as a quarterback. The Elks have been very patient with Cornelius as he learned on the job the last few years; now, he must show his bosses that their trust in him to develop into a franchise QB wasn't misplaced. The team needs to display a level of consistency on the field week-to-week to give themselves a chance. And they must snap that CFL-record 17-game home losing streak, which dates back to 2019. For a team that appears to have big aspirations, there are still an awful lot of question marks.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
2022 record: 8-10 (16 Points), 3rd in East; lost East semifinal
Grey Cup odds: +500
Key additions: DE Kwaku Boateng, RB James Butler, DL Ja'Gared Davis, DB Chris Edwards, OT Joel Figueroa, QB Bo Levi Mitchell, DL Casey Sayles, WR Richie Sindani, LB Jameer Thurman, WR Duke Williams
Key departures: WR Bralon Addison, CB Cariel Brooks, WR Steven Dunbar Jr., DB Ciante Evans, QB Dane Evans, DE Valentin Gnahoua, DE Julian Howsare, RB Don Jackson, DT Micah Johnson, OL Colin Kelly, DB Kameron Kelly, LB Grant McDonald, DB Jumal Rolle, LB Jovan Santos-Knox, WR/KR Papi White
Key Canadian: DT Ted Laurent
X-factor: LB Simoni Lawrence
The big question: What does Mitchell have left? The 33-year-old hardly looked like a two-time MOP during his downturn over the last few seasons, a spiral that led to both his benching last summer and then his unceremonious departure from Calgary. For the Ticats, trading for Mitchell off that kind of down year and immediately signing him to a three-year deal was a massive risk, not to mention an admission that picking Dane Evans over Jeremiah Masoli was the wrong choice. It's very easy to see why the Ticats did it, though, because we're still talking about one of the greatest QBs in CFL history. A healthy and revitalized Mitchell gets Hamilton much closer to ending that 24-year Grey Cup drought. The Ticats are a talented squad and the biggest threat to dethrone Toronto in the East, but everything hinges on Bo rediscovering his Hall of Fame form. Anything less could doom them.
Montreal Alouettes
2022 record: 9-9 (18 Points), 2nd in East; lost East final
Grey Cup odds: +1200
Key additions: LS Louis-Philippe Bourassa, WR Greg Ellingson, DL Avery Ellis, DB Ciante Evans, QB Cody Fajardo, OL Justin Lawrence, LB Avery Williams
Key departures: DL Thomas Costigan, QB Trevor Harris, WR Eugene Lewis, DB Mike Jones, DL Mike Moore, DB Adarius Pickett, DT Michael Wakefield, WR Jake Wieneke
Key Canadian: WR Tyson Philpot
X-factor: RB William Stanback
The big question: Can they rise above the chaos? The Alouettes' home playoff win last November was followed by a wild offseason of change that ultimately left the franchise with far more questions than answers, both on and off the field. If nothing else, the most important question - whether they'd play this season as wards of the league - was resolved in March when billionaire Pierre Karl Peladeau rescued the franchise. Peladeau's got his work cut out for him, though, because he inherited a team that's rapidly losing visibility in its home market and had some of its biggest stars sign elsewhere, thanks in part to the ownership turbulence. New head coach Jason Maas and quarterback Cody Fajardo were together at the forefront of Saskatchewan's woeful offense last year, and both have to quiet plenty of doubters in order to make this Alouettes season a success. There isn't a total lack of talent here, but talent alone will only get you so far. A lot is going to have to break right for the Als to be a factor in the East.
Ottawa Redblacks
2022 record: 4-14 (8 Points), 4th in East
Grey Cup odds: +1400
Key additions: WR Bralon Addison*, CB Cariel Brooks, OL Dontae Bull, OG Drew Desjarlais, WR Shaq Evans, RB Ante Milanovic-Litre, LB Jovan Santos-Knox, DL Blessman Ta'ala, DT Michael Wakefield
Key departures: WR Darvin Adams, DE Kwaku Boateng, LS Louis-Philippe Bourassa, OL Darius Ciraco, QB Caleb Evans, WR Shaq Johnson, LB Patrick Levels, RB William Powell, DB Antoine Pruneau, LB Avery Williams, OL Ucambre Williams
Key Canadian: OG Drew Desjarlais
X-factor: QB Jeremiah Masoli
*Addison is starting the season on the 6-game injured list
The big question: How much better are they? We asked this about the Redblacks last year after their splashy offseason, and the answer ended up being ... much worse. So let's try this again after a second straight busy winter in the nation's capital. The biggest change was on the sidelines, where head coach Bob Dyce had the interim tag removed, and deservedly so. Ottawa went 1-3 under Dyce after firing Paul LaPolice but played some of its most competitive football during that final stretch. As far as the players go, Masoli and Jaelon Acklin being healthy again will do wonders for the offense, while reigning Most Outstanding Defensive Player Lorenzo Mauldin IV returns as an anchor. An O-line that allowed just 34 sacks last year improved with the additions of Desjarlais and first overall pick Bull, though they'll have to work extra hard to open space for an unheralded group of running backs. The injury bug's already struck again, too: Wideout Shaq Evans and defensive star Monshadrik "Money" Hunter were both hurt in the first preseason game and face extended absences. Overall, there are some reasons for cautious optimism, but are the Redblacks better? We're honestly not sure.
Saskatchewan Roughriders
2022 record: 6-12 (12 Points), 4th in West
Grey Cup odds: +1400
Key additions: WR Shawn Bane Jr., OL Philip Blake, WR Juwan Brescacin, C Peter Godber, QB Trevor Harris, OL Colin Kelly, DT Micah Johnson, WR Derel Walker, WR Jake Wieneke
Key departures: OL Jamal Campbell, WR Shaq Evans, QB Cody Fajardo, RB Kienan LaFrance, WR Justin McInnis, WR Kyran Moore, OT Josiah St. John, WR Duke Williams
Key Canadian: WR Kian Schaffer-Baker
X-factor: WR Jake Wieneke
The big question: How long of a leash do the coach and GM get? Both head coach Craig Dickenson and general manager Jeremy O'Day kept their jobs after last year's stunning 0-7 collapse down the stretch, with offensive coordinator Jason Maas taking the fall instead. O'Day did his best to try to fix that mess, importing Trevor Harris in what amounted to a quarterback swap with Montreal and constructing a potentially solid defensive unit that could become a sack machine. But in the bright lights of Regina, none of that matters without immediate results, which is what Dickenson and O'Day need. Both are in the final year of their contracts and need this group to start fast. To do that, Saskatchewan - the CFL's most undisciplined team in 2022 - must immediately cut down on the penalties in a big way. Dickenson and O'Day's seats are already hot enough, and a slow start will likely lead to even more uncertainty about their immediate futures in Riderville.
Toronto Argonauts
2022 record: 11-7, 1st in East; 109th Grey Cup champions
Grey Cup odds: +550
Key additions: OL Darius Ciraco, DL Thomas Costigan, DL Folarin Orimolade, DB Adarius Pickett, WR David Ungerer III, LB Jordan Williams
Key departures: WR/KR Brandon Banks, QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson, OL Philip Blake, WR Juwan Brescacin, OL Theren Churchill, DE Ja'Gared Davis, DB Chris Edwards, OL Justin Lawrence, DB Jamal Peters, DL Shane Ray, CB Shaquille Richardson
Key Canadian: WR Kurleigh Gittens Jr.
X-factors: RBs Andrew Harris and A.J. Ouellette
The big question: Is Chad Kelly ready? We know that Kelly - now the Argos' unquestioned starter after McLeod Bethel-Thompson moved to the USFL - is a good quarterback with tantalizing potential and a skill set that's perfectly suited for Canadian football. Argos fans saw that firsthand during his triumphant Grey Cup-winning relief appearance following Bethel-Thompson's injury. Now, the former NCAA star with the famous last name has the starting shot he's been yearning for, and he gets to do it on the East's best team. The Argos boast a potentially explosive receiving corps, an improved offensive line, and the two-headed monster of Harris and Ouellette on the ground. Corey Mace's stellar defense also got stronger this winter, especially at linebacker. But this remains a quarterback's league, so a Grey Cup repeat will hinge on Kelly's ability to seize this moment and finally become the All-Star QB he's repeatedly professed to be. All the signs say "Swag" is indeed ready for this. Ultimately, he still has to prove it.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
2022 record: 15-3 (30 Points), 1st in West; lost 109th Grey Cup
Grey Cup odds: +225
Key additions: K Sergio Castillo, WR Kenny Lawler*
Key departures: OL Michael Couture, WR Greg Ellingson, CB Tyrell Ford, K/P Marc Liegghio, QB Dakota Prukop, DL Casey Sayles
Key Canadians: WR Nic Demski
X-factor: WR Dalton Schoen
*Lawler is beginning the season on the suspended list
The big question: Can the dynasty get back on track? Winnipeg didn't overreact to its upset Grey Cup loss with too many wholesale changes - and why would it? This is still the group that produced a near-historic 2022 season on the backs of an all-time great defense and MOP Zach Collaros before coming up one point short of a third straight championship in a truly wild finish. The Argos might have the Grey Cup, but on paper, the Bombers remain the CFL's best team. They also might be better thanks to the few moves they did make, with the most notable being a reunion with All-Star kicker Castillo to solidify an occasionally iffy field-goal unit. So the expectations here are both simple and reasonable: stay healthy, roll through the West, and then finish the job. Three Grey Cups in four seasons is a dynasty, and there's no reason the Blue Bombers can't accomplish that.
FAQs
How many games in a regular CFL season? ›
Schedule. The league released the season's full schedule on December 16, 2021, just four days after the 108th Grey Cup. The league returned to an 18-game schedule following a pandemic-shortened 2021 CFL season. The regular season began on June 9, with the Calgary Stampeders hosting the Montreal Alouettes.
What is the format of the CFL? ›The league consists of nine teams, each located in a city in Canada. They are divided into two divisions: four teams in the East Division and five teams in the West Division. As of 2022, it features a 21-week regular season in which each team plays 18 games with three bye weeks.
How many CFL teams are there? ›Snapshot of the CFL
The Canadian Football League is made up of 9 teams split across 2 divisions (five teams in the East and four teams in the West).
Host cities. The city of Toronto has hosted the most Grey Cup games with 48, including 30 of the first 45 games played. The first game was held on December 4, 1909, at Rosedale Field.
Has there ever been a 1 0 CFL game? ›The lowest scoring game in CFL history, a 1–0 victory by the Montreal Alouettes over the Ottawa Rough Riders in 1966, had no scoring except for a single in the fourth quarter on a missed field goal attempt.
Will the CFL add a 10th team? ›That brings us to today and the CFL's renewed effort to establish a 10th team, which is expected to get underway in earnest this spring. The differences from the previous approach are significant, starting with the fact it does not include a permanent stadium construction project.
Is CFL or NFL harder? ›No one league however is tougher than the other. CFL stats are just the same as NFL and most US born players in the CFL have played College in the USA and were stars that stood out.
How do you score 1 in CFL? ›1 point – By kicking a field goal on a scrimmage play initially scrimmaged on the 25 yard line. 2 points – By scoring a touchdown by means of a ball carrying or passing play initially scrimmaged from either the 3 yard line or the 25 yard line.
What does the C in CFL stand for? ›Both the Canadian Football League (CFL), the sport's top professional league, and Football Canada, the governing body for amateur play, trace their roots to 1880 and the founding of the Canadian Rugby Football Union. The CFL is the most popular and only major professional Canadian football league.
Can Americans play in the CFL? ›Teams can dress a maximum of 19 Americans not including quarterbacks and the nationalized American. A Designated American (DA) is a non-Starting American player who may play on all special teams. During regular offensive or defensive possessions, he may only replace an American player on the field.
What is the oldest CFL team? ›
The Argonauts are the oldest professional football team in North America.
Are most CFL players American? ›Many CFL players are Americans who grew up playing American football and cannot find a place in the NFL, or who prefer to play in the CFL; strict import quotas restrict the number of non-Canadian players.
What is the lowest scoring game in the CFL? ›One of the more notable games of the regular season was Montreal's 1–0 victory over Ottawa, the lowest scoring game in CFL history, and only the second 1–0 game since a 1949 win by Winnipeg over Calgary in the WIFU.
Has any CFL team won 3 GREY cups in a row? ›Queens University 1922-24. 3 consecutive victories. 11-1 over 3 seasons. Largest margin of victory 54-0 in the 11th Grey Cup.
How much do CFL players make for winning the Grey Cup? ›| First Place Standing (Bye) | $3,400 |
|---|---|
| Semi-Final Participation | $3,400 |
| Division Championship Participation | $3,600 |
| Grey Cup Runner-up | $8,000 |
| Grey Cup Winner | $16,000 |
The record in the CFL is 62 yards, set by Paul McCallum on October 27, 2001. High school, college and most professional football leagues offer only a three-point field goal; however, some professional leagues have encouraged more rare kicks through four-point field goals.
What is the longest winning streak in CFL history? ›- Calgary Stampeders 22 (Aug 25, 1948 to Oct 22, 1949)
- Edmonton Eskimos 14 (Oct 16, 1954 to Oct 1, 1955)
- BC Lions 14 (Oct 17, 2004 to Sep 24, 2005)
- Calgary Stampeders 14 (Jul 21, 2016 to Oct 21, 2016)
- Winnipeg Blue Bombers 12 (Aug 3, 2001 to Oct 26, 2001)
The Cats, as all of their fans begrudgingly know, have the longest Grey Cup drought in the CFL, dating back to 1999. Every team, with the exception of the Ottawa Redblacks, who joined the league in 2016, have won the Grey Cup at least twice in the new millennium. Three things to watch for at Ticats training camp: 1.
Is the CFL gaining popularity? ›The Canadian Football League (CFL) has seen a steady increase in viewership since its inception in 1958, while youth participation in organized football leagues continues to rise. It is estimated that 1.2 billion people play football globally, and enthusiasm for the sport is growing.
Will CFL expand in 2023? ›TORONTO (November 8, 2022) – The Canadian Football League (CFL) will invite approximately 100 national and global prospects to Edmonton for an expanded and restructured CFL Combine presented by New Era in 2023. The new five-day event will take place from March 22 to 26 at Commonwealth Stadium Field House.
Are CFL footballs bigger? ›
Players have taken the slogan to mean that the CFL 's football is bigger than the NFL's. Although that was true for decades, the dimensions of both footballs are now essentially the same.
Do Canadians prefer CFL or NFL? ›Outside of Manitoba, a large majority of Canadians couldn't care less about Canadian or American football. A study by the Angus Reid Institute has found the National Football League (NFL) to be more popular than the Canadian Football League (CFL) in Canada.
Who is Canada's favorite NFL team? ›NFL.com reports that merchandise sales and fan engagement surveys show that the New England Patriots are the most popular team in Canada and QB Tom Brady is the favourite player. Following the Patriots in the top-five list of teams in Canada are the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints and Buffalo Bills.
Who gets paid more NFL or CFL? ›As of the 2017 season, NFL players received an average yearly salary of around $2.7 million USD, which has likely increased in recent years. On the other hand, CFL players earned an average salary of approximately $80,000 CAN in 2021, often requiring second jobs in the off-season to supplement their income.
Is a drop kick legal in CFL? ›Canadian football
In the Canadian game, the drop kick can be attempted at any time by either team. Any player on the kicking team behind the kicker, and including the kicker, can recover the kick. When a drop kick goes out of bounds, possession on the next scrimmage goes to the non-kicking team.
The Rationale for the Three-Down Rule
A Faster-Paced Game: The primary reason for the CFL's three-down rule is to create a faster-paced game with more scoring opportunities. The fewer downs mean that teams are under more pressure to gain yardage, resulting in more aggressive offensive plays.
The Pyramid Play is a defensive play in American football, where a defensive player is hoisted up by two other players in an effort to block a place kick attempt by the opposing team.
Which is older CFL or NFL? ›David Holmes, 51, a lifelong fan of Vancouver's CFL team, the BC Lions, happily points out that the first recorded game of Canadian football took place in 1861, eight years before the first documented American football match.
Why is CFL called GREY Cup? ›In 1909, the Grey Cup was donated by Albert Grey, the Canadian governor general of Canada. It was originally given to the top amateur rugby football team in Canada, but eventually, as time went on, the trophy became the premiere hardware for the football league.
What is a healthy scratch in CFL? ›Players which are healthy enough to play but are scratched are called a “healthy scratch”, but this does not reflect on the player but the coaches decision to field the best team each week within the restrictions imposed.
What is the minimum salary in the CFL? ›
The CFL raised its minimum salary from $54,000 to $65,000 in 2019, despite only a minimal increase in the salary cap. There isn't much room to push that higher without raising the cap substantially.
Does CFL have open tryouts? ›In addition to attending numerous pro days across the country, it is common for CFL teams to hold open tryouts in various cities throughout the United States as they aim to discover new talent.
Do CFL teams fly to games? ›Teams in the CFL use a multitude of travel methods depending on the team, the destination and their schedule. The primary method of travel is by air, either by charter or by commercial airline.
Who has the biggest fanbase in the CFL? ›Among Canadian Football League (CFL) fans, most teams are evened out on their fan base. According to a survey from January 2021, the Toronto Argonauts and the Montreal Alouettes were among the most popular, while the Ottawa Redblacks and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats were the least popular by a small margin.
Has a CFL team ever gone undefeated? ›Calgary fans turned the Grey Cup festival into what it is today. On the field, the Stamps completed the only perfect season in CFL history by defeating the Ottawa Rough Riders 12-7 before a crowd of 20,013 at Varsity Stadium on Nov. 27.
Is there an age limit for CFL? ›The CFL Futures program is for girls and boys in the U10, U12 and U14 age range (or any child from the ages of 8-13). 3) What is the cost for participants?
Does anyone go from CFL to NFL? ›Players from the Canadian Football League (CFL) can go to the National Football League (NFL) with minimal effort. This has been possible since 2020. That year, the CFL Players Association struck an agreement with the CFL that will allow any player to opt out of their contracts.
How do you become a CFL player? ›HOW CAN I PLAY IN THE CFL / WHERE CAN I TRYOUT FOR THE CFL? The CFL does not hold general tryout camps. Our teams travel across North America on scouting trips as they see fit. Please visit CFL.ca/tryouts to find out where they will be holding their next free agent workout.
Why isn't the CFL popular? ›Partly because the salary differences between the NFL and the CFL mean that the best players (including the best Canadian players) all want to the play there. So the competition level suffers.
What is the rookie minimum for CFL? ›The league does not make teams publicize their player salaries as the NFL does. However, it is estimated that players make between $60,000 and $100,000. The minimum salary an American or National player can make is $65,000. For Global players, that floor is set at $54,000.
Why doesn t Canada have a NFL team? ›
It has been suggested that one of the reasons the NFL would not want to put a franchise in Canada and risk putting the CFL out of business is that the CFL offers antitrust protection as a competing league.
What is the CFL record punt? ›The longest punt in NFL history travelled 98 yards, off the foot of Steve O'Neal, of the New York Jets, in September of 1969. And the longest punt in CFL history, and previously the longest punt ever recorded, is a 108 yard kick by Zenon Andrusyshyn, of the Toronto Argonauts, in October of 1977.
Has there been a 3 peat in the CFL? ›In the 'modern era' of the CFL, the threepeat has only been done twice – so far. Both by Edmonton. Because as well as the 'five-peat' teams, the Esks also generated three consecutive titles between 1954 and 1956. Those Edmonton teams went 36-12 over three seasons.
What team has won 3 cups in a row? ›Montreal Canadiens: 1976-79.
Have the Lions ever won a Grey Cup? ›1964 Grey Cup champions
After achieving an 11–2–3 regular-season record in 1964, and defeating the Calgary Stampeders in a three-game series in the Western Conference finals, the Lions advanced to meet the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in a Grey Cup rematch at Toronto's Exhibition Stadium.
That's over a $125,000 raise from what the 33-year-old took home in 2021. For putting his signature on the dotted line, Collaros received an $87,000 signing bonus, when he makes the active roster for the first time he'll collect $151,000 along with a $300,000 base salary and $12,000 in housing.
Who is the highest-paid receiver in the CFL? ›1) Eugene Lewis, Edmonton Elks (A)
He will collect another $40,000 when he reports to training camp along with a $125,200 salary over the course of the season.
The Edmonton Elks reeled in the biggest prize of this year's CFL free-agency class, announcing the signing of star wide receiver Eugene Lewis on Tuesday. Lewis signed a two-year contract worth $320,000 per season, which makes him the league's highest-paid non-quarterback, sources told Justin Dunk of 3DownNation.
When did CFL go to 18 games? ›The CFL increased the amount of regular season games from 16 to 18 in 1986.
How long is the CFL football season? ›The season is due to run from June 9 through Oct. 29, with each team playing 18 games over the course of 21 weeks.
Is CFL as good as NFL? ›
Compared to the NFL, the CFL has a better balance with regards to offense and defense. Speaking of exact dimensions—an NFL field is 100 x 53 1/3 yards, whereas the CFL field is 100 x 65 yards. The end zone in the NFL field is 10 yards deep, and twice the case with CFL.
How much does a CFL player make? ›The 2023 minimum base salary for CFL players is $70,000. That does not include some additional forms of compensation that many athletes receive, including singing bonuses, playtime or statistical incentives, housing payments, per diems, and playoff bonus money.
How many Americans can play CFL? ›A CFL team may dress up to 44 players, composed of 21 "nationals" (essentially, Canadians), 20 "internationals" (almost exclusively Americans), and 3 quarterbacks.
Is CFL older than NFL? ›David Holmes, 51, a lifelong fan of Vancouver's CFL team, the BC Lions, happily points out that the first recorded game of Canadian football took place in 1861, eight years before the first documented American football match.
Who is the highest paid CFL player? ›Highest-paid CFL players salaries in 2023
Once again, Winnipeg QB Zach Collaros owns the highest salary in the league. He is the only player in the league guaranteed to make at least $600,000.
Calgary fans turned the Grey Cup festival into what it is today. On the field, the Stamps completed the only perfect season in CFL history by defeating the Ottawa Rough Riders 12-7 before a crowd of 20,013 at Varsity Stadium on Nov. 27.
Why does CFL only have 3 downs? ›In Canada's league, teams are awarded three downs in order to gain 10 yards. This was actually the norm in football when it was first created in the 19th century. The United States changed from three downs to four in 1912, but Canada remained with just three.
What is the lowest CFL salary? ›The minimum player salary as dictated by the Collective Bargaining Agreement is $65,000 in 2020 and 2021 for American and National players and $54,000 for Global players.
Who is the lowest paid NFL player? ›While Tyrone Swoopes won the title of the lowest-paid NFL player in 2021, looking at the low end of league earners isn't as simple. NFL players face different minimum values that depend on their contract and designation as active or inactive players.