CFL  

Redblacks announce running back Williams has surgery for off-season training injury

Photo: The Canadian Press

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Redblacks will start the 2024 season without American running back Devonte Williams.

The CFL club announced Thursday that Williams recently had surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon suffered during off-season training. 

The Redblacks added the operation was successful but didn't say when the injury occurred or provide a timeline for Williams' return.

Given the nature of the injury, it's unlikely the five-foot-nine, 170-pound Williams will play in 2024.

Williams, 27, ran for 1002 yards and averaged 5.5-yards per carry in 15 games last year with Ottawa. 

Williams has spent the last two seasons with the Redblacks, rushing for 1,456 yards on 272 carries (5.4-yard average) with three touchdowns in 23 regular-season contests.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 18, 2024.

CFL Players' Association joins forces with Canadian Labour Congress

Photo: The Canadian Press

The CFL Players' Association has joined the Canadian labour movement.

The CFLPA and Canadian Labour Congress joined forces Thursday. The CLC is Canada's largest labour organization, with a membership of more than three million workers and over 500,000 retirees across the country.

The CFLPA represents roughly 650 professional football players.

"This is one of the biggest announcements we've ever had as an organization and I'd argue it's one of the bigger announcements the league has had in a significant period of time," said CFLPA executive director Brian Ramsay, a former CFL player. "This makes for a stronger CFLPA, which makes for stronger Canadian football.

"But it also makes for a stronger CFL and provides stability for the league."

The CFL didn't immediately have comment on the CFLPA-CLC affiliation.

"This is a huge win and we’re thrilled to welcome the CFLPA to our team,” said CLC president Bea Bruske. "This shows how the labour movement in Canada is constantly growing and diversifying, and our collective future is brighter with the addition of the CFLPA.

"There are over three million CLC affiliated workers who now stand in support of the CFLPA in their ongoing fight for respect, fair treatment, and equity for CFL players."

Added CFLPA president Solomon Elimimian, also a former CFL player: "Just like on the playing field, there is strength in numbers and this alignment makes us all stronger in our ongoing work toward ensuring fair and respectful working conditions."

The CFLPA has worked steadily towards becoming more involved in labour. Five years ago, it formed an alliance with the United Steelworkers union.

"We've worked very hard on building relationships, both within our industry with other sport _ our coalition on workers' compensation is a great example of that," Ramsay said. "But we've also worked hard on expanding our footprint in labour and you can't get bigger than the CLC in Canada."

The CFLPA joins 49 national and international unions that are affiliated with the CLC.

"There's strength in unity and we believe that solidarity will help grow our sport and industry nationwide," Ramsay said. "Joining forces with the CLC will expose us to their three-plus million members and generate interest and support for the sport in Canada.

"It will make us ultimately stronger at the bargaining table and more successful in any of the campaigns that we're going to do."

There is currently labour harmony between the CFL and players' union the as the present collective agreement runs to Dec. 31, 2029.

"We're that far out from bargaining so we're obviously not doing this solely for that," Ramsay said. "But we're going to immediately become part of a larger network with common interests.

"Whether it's working on strategies, education, preparation, communication, all of these different things, we're going to be able to now rely on these additional resources. They're only going to make our organization that much stronger."

Ramsay sees the CFL benefiting from the CFLPA's alliance, on and off the field.

"Instantly you've got 3.2 million union members who'll be exposed to our members and the game," he said. "I also think on some of the federal issues _ including immigration and work permits _ we've struggled with in the past, we've now got another avenue and voice to help support us in some of the changes we might need."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 18, 2024.

Illinois offensive lineman Adams retains top spot in CFL Scouting Bureau spring list

Photo: The Canadian Press

TORONTO — Isaiah Adams remains the top-ranked player for the 2024 CFL draft.

The Illinois offensive lineman topped the CFL Scouting Bureau's spring top-20 list released Wednesday, retaining the No. 1 spot he held in December. However, teams eyeing the six-foot-five, 320-pound Adams from Ajax, Ont., in the CFL draft on April 30 will have to wait as he's expected to be taken in the NFL draft, which is slated to be held April 25-27 in Detroit.

Theo Johnson, of Windsor, Ont., a six-foot-six, 260-pound tight end from Penn State, moved up one spot into second behind Adams. Tanner McLachlan, of Lethbridge, Alta., a six-foot-five, 245-pound tight end from Arizona, also improved one position to sit third overall. Like Adams, Johnson and McLachlan are both expected to garner NFL attention at the end of the month.

Toronto's Kyle Hergel, an offensive lineman from Boston College also moved up a spot into fourth ahead of Theo Benedet, a towering six-foot-seven, 305-pound native of North Vancouver, B.C., who anchored the University of British Columbia's offensive line.

Cincinnati linebacker Joel Dublanko was at No. 6. Dublanko, an American, was added to the CFL draft as his father was born in Edmonton. The six-foot-three, 240-pound Dublanko was bypassed in the 2022 NFL draft but did spend time with New Orleans and Seattle before playing for the USFL's Philadelphia Stars in 2023.

Auburn receiver Nick Mardner (Oakville, Ont), UBC offensive lineman Giovanni Manu (Pitts Meadows, B.C.), Memphis linebacker Geoffrey Cantin-Arku (Levis, Que.) and Laval receiver Kevin Mital (Saint-Hubert, Que.) rounded out the top-10.

Mital cracked the top-10 after being ranked No. 20 in the winter list.

The CFL scouting bureau consists of league scouts, player-personal directors and GMs. It releases rankings three times each year (fall, winter and spring).

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 17, 2024.

Edmonton Elks receiver Eugene Lewis says mission to Africa changed his life

Photo: The Canadian Press

It was a life-changing experience for Eugene Lewis.

The Edmonton Elks receiver was among six CFL players who spent a week on a mission in Africa last month. Like many, Lewis had seen the commercials that request support for the less fortunate there but they didn't come close to preparing Lewis for his up-close-and-personal visit.

"It opened up my eyes to seeing a different part of the world and understanding what being grateful really, really is," Lewis said. "You just understand that in North America we have so many options.

"We can decide, 'Do I want to go to work today? Do I feel sick?' In Kenya and other places in Africa, you don't have a choice but to get up. You need to have a purpose each and every day to help your family live and survive and be successful."

Lewis was among nine CFL players who served as World Vision ambassadors. Montreal Alouettes safety Marc-Antoine Dequoy, receivers Tim White (Hamilton Tiger-Cats), Reggie Begelton (Calgary Stampeders) and Nic Demski (Winnipeg Blue Bombers) were involved on a mission to the Philippines.

Lewis, linebackers Bo Lokombo (B.C. Lions) and Henoc Muamba (retired Toronto Argonaut), receiver Dominique Rhymes and linebacker Tyron Vrede (both Ottawa Redblacks) and defensive lineman Miles Brown (Saskatchewan Roughriders) all participated in the mission to Africa.

The players flew into Nairobi, Kenya's capital, and visited Mathare, which is a collection of settlements/slums that roughly 500,000 people call home. Afterwards, they flew to Lodwar then drove approximately 120 kilometres north to Kakuma, which is where they spent most of their time at refugee camps as well as with local people.

Lewis, a native of Norristown, Pa., said he saw poverty growing up but it was unlike what he viewed in Africa.

"You see a different type of poverty in the U.S. than you see in Africa," he said. "They don't have access to many things in Kenya, the slums of Nairobi or refugee camps in Kakuma but you see what community really is all about there.

"There would be kids — one-, two-, three-year-olds — walking around by themselves and their noses were running and people walking past would wipe the kids' noses clean then keep going.

"They might not know the children but they knew each other because of the community and just wanted to help. Everyone is trying to build each other up."

And life in Africa made Lewis appreciate the many things North Americans take for granted. Like ice, for example.

"Ice in Kakuma is like gold because it's so hot and it hasn't rained there in so very long," Lewis said. "When you get a bottle of water with ice in it, everyone is like, 'Wow, where'd you get this?

"I had never seen a river before that was literally dried up but there was one there that people were walking on and cars were driving on. We also saw camels walking across the street in Kakuma, which was a little out of ordinary for me."

But especially tough for Lewis was seeing the harsh conditions children there must endure.

"I have seven brothers and sisters, six nieces and nephews and so for me it's always been about the kids and making sure they're good," Lewis said. "As adults, we can figure out ways to do what we have to do but we have to guide the kids and point them in the right direction."

During the mission, Lewis met a pastor who also operated a chicken farm. Her outlook definitely resonated with the CFL star.

"Pastor Pauline started her business with seven chickens, then went to 20 and got to 200," he said. "She was then able to buy her son a motorcycle so he could deliver the chickens further away.

"What she's trying to do for the people in her community is reform their minds, to reform their hearts, and that will reform their pockets. That was some of the greatest advice I've ever heard."

Lewis was so captivated by the mission that he wants to return to Africa.

"I absolutely and 100 per cent want to go back and do more," he said. "I'd love to go build a basketball court, a football field, help those soccer teams with cleats and stuff like that.

"I saw how World Vision is bringing people together and sports _ it doesn't matter what colour you are _ brings people together."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 16, 2024.

Toothpicks offer calm, tranquillity for Argos veteran linebacker Wynton McManis

Photo: The Canadian Press

It's as much a part of Wynton McManis as his infectious smile and gregarious nature.

No matter where the Toronto Argonauts veteran linebacker goes, he always has a toothpick. If it's not in his mouth, it's often tucked behind his ear.

Some might think it's to look cool, but McManis says a toothpick provides comfort and tranquillity.

"I'm an outgoing, fun-loving, active guy and I think when I was younger that got me into trouble," said McManis. "I have pictures of me eight, nine years old with a toothpick in my mouth and it just allows me to slow things down.

"Instead of talking or moving around 1,000 miles a minute I can have the toothpick in my mouth, move it around and it kind of keeps me calm, it's like my peace point. It's not for esthetics . . . it's part of who I am."

McManis isn't alone.

Dusty Baker, the former big-league baseball player and manager, routinely had a toothpick in his mouth in the dugout. At first it was because his father always had one but later it replaced chewing tobacco, which Baker used as a player.

Last year, retired MMA fighter Benson (Smooth) Henderson admitted he sometimes fought with a toothpick hidden in his mouth. He was spotted with one during his 2012 UFC title defence against Nate Diaz, something Henderson neither confirmed nor denied afterwards.

McManis prefers flavoured toothpicks — he was sporting a cinnamon seasoning while talking with The Canadian Press. The 29-year-old has become good at manoeuvering them.

"I can flip it around, spin it," he said with a chuckle. "I've had a couple of (accidents) but none that I'd call life-threatening."

About the only time McManis isn't chewing on a toothpick is when he's playing football. On the field, the six-foot-one, 225-pound Memphis native is all business.

McManis has been a league all-star the last two seasons with Toronto. He began his CFL career with Calgary (2017-19) and has 271 defensive tackles, 49 special-teams tackles, 11 sacks, six interceptions and three forced fumbles in 75 regular-season contests.

McManis is two-time Grey Cup champion and also spent time in the NFL with San Francisco (2016), New Orleans (2020-21) and Miami (2021).

He helped Toronto win a club-record 16 regular-season games in 2023. But the promising campaign ended with a 38-17 East final loss to eventual Grey Cup-champion Montreal.

"You don't forget games like that," McManis said. "It doesn't matter what you did before, who you beat, how many points you beat them by or how many times you beat them.

"You must beat them this time and be your best in that moment. I think last year we kind of fell victim to just assuming we'd win."

The off-season has been tough for the Argos. Not only did they lose defensive co-ordinator Corey Mace (Saskatchewan head coach) but also running back A.J. Ouellette (Riders), linebackers Adarius Pickett (Ottawa) and Canadian Jordan Williams (traded, Hamilton), kick-returner Javon Leake (Edmonton) and cornerback Jamal Peters (Tiger-Cats), to name a few.

But McManis signed an extension with Toronto in January.

"I feel I'm just starting to get my feet wet and become a player my teammates can rely on, the fans can enjoy coming to see and be someone you know what you're going to get every time I hit the field," McManis said. "I didn't want to walk away from that.

"I like what we've built, I like where we're going. I just love the city of Toronto."

This off-season, McManis and his fiancée welcomed their second child, a daughter. They also have a son under the age of two.

"(Fatherhood) opens your eyes that there's more to life than just yourself," McManis said. "It has really made me find that balance between who I am and becoming a man and understanding there's more than just you here and much more to life.

"I spend much less time on my phone scrolling and more playing with my son because when he calls my name, he doesn't want anything more than some attention. Any time I can do that and put a smile on his face, I choose to."

McManis admits he's become a girl dad.

"I'm already soft on her," McManis said. "Any time she cries or makes a sound, I'm like, 'It's OK, it's OK.'"

But fatherhood hasn't changed McManis's fun-loving, outgoing personality. Last week during the CFL's content shoots in Hamilton, McManis's arrival was heard long before he was actually seen.

"That's the way I was brought up," he said. "Life is short . . . we're all human, we're all learning, we're all going through this thing together and just taking different paths.

"I'm myself, I just try to leave people with a good feeling everywhere I go."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 15, 2024.

Veteran cornerback Houston set to begin new CFL chapter with Calgary Stampeders

Photo: The Canadian Press

Demerio Houston hopes quarterback Jake Maier isn't holding a grudge when the Calgary Stampeders open training camp next month.

Houston intercepted Maier twice last season with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, returning one 45 yards for his first CFL touchdown. The two are teammates now after Houston signed a two-year deal that includes $275,000 in hard money with Calgary in February.

Houston's TD anchored Winnipeg's 19-18 road win Aug. 18 that capped a sweep of the two-game season series. The pick-six highlighted a stellar campaign that saw Houston lead the CFL in interceptions (seven) and defensive takeaways (10).

"It was my first (pick-six) as a professional so it will always be with me," Houston said. "Hopefully they (Maier, Stampeders) forgive me now that we're on the same team."

The five-foot-10, 173-pound Houston was a 2023 CFL all-star, adding 50 tackles in 15 regular-season contests. He helped Winnipeg make a fourth straight Grey Cup appearance although the Bombers lost 28-24 to the Montreal Alouettes in Hamilton.

Houston first signed with Winnipeg in 2020 but that season was cancelled due to the global pandemic. He started 2021 on the practice roster before cracking the active roster later in the year.

He was with Winnipeg for its last three championship appearances, including a 33-25 overtime victory over Hamilton at Tim Hortons Field in 2021. The following year, the Bombers dropped a heartbreaking 24-23 decision to Toronto in Regina.

"It (Montreal loss) is still with me and will probably stay with me the rest of my career," Houston said. "But it's something I'm going to use as fuel and grow from.

"I can't change it. I would if I could but you just have to learn from it and get better."

The Stampeders have made the CFL playoffs 18 straight seasons, the longest active streak and fourth-longest in league history. They've won eight Grey Cups, the last coming in 2018.

Houston certainly had a nose for football in 2023, attributing his success to thorough film study, off-field preparation, and remaining active during games.

"It starts with running to the ball," he said. "Many of my plays come with the ball in the air but I also had three fumble recoveries last year, which is running to the football and when you do that, good things happen.

"Film study helps you know situations like when they need a big play and they're going to go deep or when they're going to try to hit a short route. It's taking full advantage of opportunities when they come."

Calgary's defence already features top playmakers like defensive lineman Mike Rose (11 sacks) and linebackers Micah Awe (club-record 134 defensive tackles) and Canadian Cameron Judge (90 defensive tackles, team-high five interceptions). Still, much will be expected of Houston, something he's good with.

"I feel like people will be asking if I can do it again and I feel like I can," Houston said. "There's definitely going to be pressure going to a new team and having to learn everybody and a new system. 

"I'm going to stick to what I've been doing my whole career and again bet on myself. Calgary is betting on me as well."

Houston registered 84 tackles, three special-teams tackles and nine interceptions in 30 regular-season games with Winnipeg.

"Teams are always looking for dominant, playmaking cornerbacks and Demerio, coming off a '23 all-star season, had many options to explore," said Kenny Kim of Summit Athletes, Houston's Florida-based agent. "We all understand the business of professional football and Demerio went to a team that values him as a person and all-star calibre defender."

Ideally, Houston would've liked to remain with Winnipeg but said if that wasn't possible Calgary was his top destination. Houston won't have to wait long to face his former team as the Stamps and Bombers not only meet in the pre-season (May 31 in Winnipeg) but twice early in the regular season (June 29 at McMahon Stadium, July 12 at Princess Auto Stadium).

"(Facing the Bombers) is going to be different," Houston said. "My wife and I were talking about it and she asked if I thought (Winnipeg fans) would boo or cheer me?

"I'd hope they'd cheer but if they boo me, it comes with the territory. I'm excited about (return to Winnipeg) but I'll be honest I go into every game with the same mindset and approach … play my best and get a win."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 12, 2024.

Argos-Riders contests to be family affair for Toronto receiver DaVaris Daniels

Photo: The Canadian Press

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats remain Toronto's biggest CFL rival but receiver DaVaris Daniels has the Argonauts' dates with the Saskatchewan Roughriders circled on his calendar.

Toronto visits Regina on July 4 and hosts Saskatchewan on Aug. 22. Those games are significant to Daniels because his father, Phillip, is in his first season as Saskatchewan's defensive line coach.

"I never thought I'd ever be in this position playing against my dad," Daniels said with a chuckle. "It's a wild dynamic and I think the wildest part of it is my mom has to figure out what colours she wants to wear when we play against each other.

"I don't know how she's going to do it. There's a lot of pressure on her."

Phillip Daniels joined Saskatchewan following four seasons as a coach with the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles (earning a Super Bowl ring in 2018) and a year in Washington's front office. Daniels also played 15 seasons as a defensive lineman with Seattle (1996-99), Chicago (2000-03) and the then Redskins (2004-10).

And with football as a common bond, DaVaris Daniels has often leaned on his father.

"It's exciting for the game, I think it's exciting for the league and it's exciting for our family," he said. "I think (coaching in football-mad Saskatchewan) is the best kind of atmosphere and environment he needs to be introduced to the CFL.

"Obviously he's on the opposite side of the ball so when I'm on the field I won't get to watch as much but when we're not playing them I'll watch that D-line and see what they're doing."

But his father won't be the only familiar face Daniels will see with Saskatchewan. Rookie head coach Corey Mace is Toronto's former defensive co-ordinator, while Daniels also has a history with offensive co-ordinator Marc Mueller, secondary coach Josh Bell and receivers coach Marquay McDaniel.

Also, running back A.J. Ouellette, who ran for 1,009 yards last season with Toronto, joined the Riders in free agency.

"I'm just excited for my dad because of the coaching staff they have," Daniels said. "I know these guys and they're all great people so I couldn't be happier with who he's around and the atmosphere he's walking into after his NFL career."

Daniels, 31, is entering his fourth season in Toronto and eighth in the CFL. The six-foot-one, 203-pound former Notre Dame star had 52 catches for a career-best 1,009 yards with eight TDs last season and was a big part of the 2022 Grey Cup champs posting the best regular-season record in their history (16-2).

But that accomplishment became moot after Montreal upset Toronto 38-17 in the East Division final en route to winning its first Grey Cup since 2010.

"It was a bitter pill," Daniels said. "Even to this day, it doesn't feel real given the season we had and the players and lockerroom we had.

"It's not something that's easy to get over but I'm not sure we want to get over it because of the motivation it brings to this season."

Toronto's 2024 squad will differ vastly from last year's.

In addition to the coaches and Ouellette, Toronto lost defensive linemen Dewayne Hendrix and Brandon Barlow, cornerback Jamal Peters (all to Hamilton) and kick-returner Javon Leake (Edmonton) in free agency while releasing kicker Boris Bede (Edmonton) and linebacker Adarius Pickett (Ottawa). One positive, though, was Canadian kicker Lirim Hajrullahu's return after three seasons (2020-22) in the NFL.

Toronto has finished atop the East Division the last three seasons but will be considered an underdog by many this year.

"Please do," said Daniels. "No question, I think it's easy to look at who left and how big they were on our team ... but I also think many people forget how deep we were last year, especially on defence.

"That's something we're carrying into this season, that chip on our shoulders."

While others left Toronto, Daniels signed an extension this off-season to remain through 2025. The CFL's 2016 top rookie said it was an easy decision to continue grinding with the likes of linebacker Wynton McManis, safety Royce Metchie and defensive back DaShaun Amos, who like Daniels are all also former Stamps.

"We're very loyal to each other, we care about each other greatly and it's hard to leave that," Daniels said. "I left that before in 2019 when I went to Edmonton and I know the grass isn't always greener.

"It just feels right to be in Toronto with this group. I feel like this gives myself and the team the best shot at winning another championship."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 11, 2024.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers post 2023 operating profit of $5.7 million

Photo: The Canadian Press

WINNIPEG — It was another strong season off the field for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The CFL club announced it posted a net operating profit of $5.7 million in 2023, a season that saw Winnipeg (14-4) finish atop the West Division for a third straight year.

The community-owned franchise also made a fourth straight Grey Cup appearance, dropping a 28-24 decision to the Montreal Alouettes at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton.

Winnipeg announced its 2023 profit Thursday upon releasing its annual report.

Revenue totalled $50.5 million in 2023, up $5.1 million (11.2 per cent) over 2022. 

The club's gate receipts increased to $15.1 million (9.6 per cent ahead of last year) while game-day, merchandise and concessions revenue hit $11.5 million, (10.5 per cent increase).

However, the numbers continue to look bleak for Valour FC, the Winnipeg-based Canadian Premier League soccer club owned and operated by the Blue Bombers.

The report stated that Valour lost $1.25 million last year and said the club's finances continue to be uncertain.

The Bombers reported a $950,000 loss from operating the CPL franchise on its 2022 annual report.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 11, 2024.

Three-time Grey Cup champion Shawn Lemon announces retirement from football

Photo: The Canadian Press

Shawn Lemon is going out on top.

The veteran defensive lineman announced his CFL retirement Wednesday. The decision came less than five months after Lemon helped the Montreal Alouettes defeat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 28-24 at Tim Hortons Field for their first Grey Cup title since 2010.

"I just spent some time thinking about it and it's time for me to move on," Lemon said. "I'm definitely grateful and thankful for my time in the Canadian Football League.

"It's just the right time to leave after a championship and an amazing season with Montreal. I'm thankful they (Alouettes) gave me an opportunity to come in and play last year. I just wish I could've got to Montreal a little earlier in my career."

As for life after football, Lemon said he has some irons in the fire but nothing imminent.

Lemon, 35, had signed a one-year deal with Montreal in December. He joined the Alouettes last season after being released by the B.C. Lions during training camp.

After acquiring Lemon, Montreal went 12-4, including the post-season. He had 26 defensive tackles, nine sacks, two interceptions and one forced fumble in 13 regular-season games.

The Charleston, S.C., native also earned his 100th CFL sack last season, And Lemon said over a career that spanned 13 seasons, the '23 campaign will remain a career highlight.

"Just looking at how the Grey Cup went and all of the adversity I dealt with last year," he said. "For the season to wrap up the way it did with reaching my 100th career sack, 13 years played in the CFL and being the 13th player in league history to reach 100 career sacks was unreal.

"Then me as a player not having signed with Hamilton but winning a Grey Cup in (Tiger-Cats) home locker room, I couldn't have written a better script."

Lemon began his pro career with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as a practice-roster player in 2011 and spent time with every CFL team except Hamilton. He also won Grey Cups with Calgary (2014) and Toronto (2017). He also spent time with the NFL's San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers as well as two Arena Football League teams and another in the Indoor Football League.

Retired quarterback Kevin Glenn is the only player in CFL history to have been with all nine franchises.

Lemon registered 237 tackles and 101 sacks in 237 career regular-season games. He also had three interceptions, forced 30 fumbles and returned a fumble recovery for a touchdown.

Lemon was a CFL all-star in 2022 when he had 14 sacks with Calgary, tying his career-best recorded in 2016 over 16 contests with Toronto. He was named the West Division's top defensive player that season.

"You always want to leave the league better than how you found it and I felt like I truly, truly left this league better than I found it," Lemon said. "I tried to be a good teammate, I tried to be a good mentor, I tried to be a good leader to my peers."

Lemon said there were many CFL coaches and front-office personnel who were instrumental over his career, including Montreal general manager, Danny Maciocia, head coach Jason Maas, defensive co-ordinator Noel Thorpe and defensive line coach Corvey Irvin. 

He also highlighted working with Wally Buono, John Hufnagel, Brent Monson, Cornell Brown, DeVone Claybrooks, Corey Mace, Cory Chamblin and the late Rich Stubler at previous stops.

"I was fortunate enough to sign contracts with eight of the nine teams in the CFL and I've enjoyed every moment," Lemon said. "I've really enjoyed the journey, it's been nothing short of amazing.

"I'm super thankful I was embraced by the league, by the fans, by the CFLPA, by the coaches and front offices and my teammates. I'm so happy to have called Canada home."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 10, 2024.

Veteran cornerback Peters anxious to join Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Photo: The Canadian Press

HAMILTON — He's still adjusting to life with a different team, but Jamal Peters is comfortable with his new colours.

The veteran cornerback will suit up with Hamilton in 2024 following three seasons with the archrival Toronto Argonauts. While that means getting used to a new city and team, Peters will have no issues donning the Tiger-Cats' black and gold uniform.

"I wore black and gold in high school (in Bassfield, Mississippi)," said Peters, in town for the CFL's '24 content shoot. "Our team name was the Yellowjackets so it will be like those days all over again."

The six-foot-two, 220-pound Peters established himself as one of the CFL's top cover corners with Toronto, registering 120 tackles, 11 interceptions and two forced fumbles in 36 regular-season games. Peters was a '22 CFL all-star when he recorded a league-high six interceptions (one pick-six) and 57 tackles in helping the Argos win the Grey Cup.

Peters started 13 games last season, registering 32 tackles (two for loss), four interceptions and two forced fumbles. But after posting a CFL-best 16-2 regular-season record, Toronto's stellar campaign ended with a stunning 38-17 East Division final loss to eventual Grey Cup-champion Montreal.

It's a defeat that still bothers Peters.

"I still have a bad taste in my mouth with how it ended after the season we had," he said. "That's why I'm preparing twice a day trying to get my mind right because I have high expectations coming into this season.

"I felt I left a lot of plays on the field . . . but I'm still bringing the same mindset and championship DNA because I know what it takes to win."

Peters would have relished remaining in Toronto and helping the Argos return to the Grey Cup, but said Hamilton was very persistent in pursuing him in free agency.

"No bad feelings, at the end of the day business is business," Peters said. "It was a little hurtful at first when we were trying to negotiate and we weren't seeing eye-to-eye . . . but Hamilton really wanted me and I'm very excited to get going with them.

"It (playing Argos in 2024) will be my first time facing a team I played for and I'll be thrilled to maybe show them what they lost but at the end of the day it will be just another game within the division. My thing is to remain calm, don't get too excited because when you do in those type of games, that's when things go bad."

Remaining in the East Division was important for Peters so his parents, brother and girlfriend could continue attending his games.

"I never thought I'd leave Toronto because when you start with an organization you feel that's where you're going to be," he said. "But God had other plans and so it's kind of the same approach but with a different team and I'll get accustomed to that as soon as camp starts."

Peters doesn't see his game changing much with Hamilton.

"I still have to be Jamal," he said. "Every time I step on to the field, I feel like I'm the best player on the field and have to be better than I was the game before.

"Nothing has really changed, it's still football, just a new team. The system will be different but I've been playing football all of my life, I'm going into my fourth year (in CFL) so I'm comfortable with where I'm at but I'm not where I want to be, which is to be great."

Peters' 2024 goals are to contend for the CFL's top defensive player honour and help Hamilton secure its first Grey Cup title since 1999.

"Jamal is a natural leader and high-character individual," said Kenny Kim of Summit Athletes, Peters' Florida-based agent. "He was well sought-after during the free-agent period and I expect he'll come into the Hammer and let his play speak for itself.

"Jamal will continue to grow as a person and player and prove this year why he's one of the CFL's premier defensive players."

Something Peters is very anxious to show the Ticats.

"They're getting a guy who'll play 100 per cent and give 100 per cent effort," he said. "I'm just an all-in guy and they're going to get my best every game. 

"I'm ready to get it started."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 9, 2024.

Calgary Stampeders to add former coach/GM Wally Buono to their Wall of Fame

Photo: The Canadian Press

CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders will add former head coach/GM Wally Buono to their Wall of Fame, the CFL club announced Monday.

Buono joined the Stampeders as an assistant coach in 1987 before becoming head coach in 1990. 

He remained in that post through 2002, leading Calgary to top spot in the West Division seven times, six Grey Cup appearances and three victories.

Buono added GM duties in 1992. He holds the franchise records for most games coached (234), victories (153), playoff wins (12) and championships.

He later joined the B.C. Lions as head coach and general manager in 2003 and remained with the club until retiring after the 2018 season.

Buono will be honoured at halftime of Calgary's home game July 21 versus B.C.

"We’re excited to bring back the Wall of Fame and honouring Wally is the perfect way to mark this historic occasion,” said Calgary president Jay McNeil, who played nine seasons for Buono as a Stampeders offensive lineman. "Wally was an excellent coach and general manager and his success with the Stampeders teams of the 1990s and early 2000s is an indelible chapter in the franchise’s proud history."

Buono remains B.C.'s all-time leader in wins with 162 and led the franchise to two Grey Cup wins. He became the winningest coach in CFL history Sept. 19, 2009, passing the late Don Matthews’ mark of 231. 

Buono retired with a total of 282 regular-season victories as a CFL head coach. He was part of seven Grey Cup-winning teams, including two as a player with the Montreal Alouettes, and four times received the Annis Stukus Trophy as the league's coach of the year.

Buono was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 8, 2024.

Andrew Harris to sign one-day deal and retire as a Winnipeg Blue Bomber

Photo: The Canadian Press

WINNIPEG — Running back Andrew Harris will sign a one-day contract with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers this month and retire as a member of the team, the CFL club said Friday. 

"Thank you for everything," the Blue Bombers said on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, in a post that included a goat emoji and a graphic of some of Harris's accomplishments. 

Harris, a 36-year-old Winnipeg native, helped the Blue Bombers win Grey Cup titles in 2019 and 2021. 

He also earned a CFL championship in 2011 with the B.C. Lions and in 2022 with the Toronto Argonauts.

Harris, who became the CFL's all-time leading Canadian rusher in 2019, registered five 1,000-yard rushing seasons over his 13-year CFL career. He played in 12 games last season for the Argonauts, recording 229 rushing yards on 49 carries with two touchdowns.

Harris plans to sign his ceremonial contract on April 27. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 5, 2024.