Football – Winnipeg Free Press

Chad Kelly throws four TDs — and four interceptions — in Argos’ win over Redblacks

Lisa Wallace, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 5:20 PM CDT

OTTAWA - Chad Kelly has won plenty of games throughout his career but he couldn’t deny that this one felt pretty special.

The 32-year-old quarterback was instrumental in leading the Toronto Argonauts (1-1) to a 44-24 victory over the Ottawa Redblacks on Saturday afternoon.

Kelly, making his second straight start, finished the game 25-for-32 for 424 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions.

He definitely didn’t like the turnovers, but after thinking about this moment for more than a year, he’s more than willing to give himself a little grace.

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Roughriders fend off Stampeders’ comeback and stiff wind at McMahon for 40-37 OT win

Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Roughriders fend off Stampeders’ comeback and stiff wind at McMahon for 40-37 OT win

Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 11:30 PM CDT

CALGARY - The Saskatchewan Roughriders prevailed on a blustery night and repelled a late Calgary Stampeders push in a 40-37 overtime win Saturday in the CFL.

Roughriders backup quarterback Tommy Stevens scored the second of his two short-yardage touchdowns in the game in overtime for the win.

Saskatchewan led until Calgary quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. connected with Tevin Jones in the end zone in the final minute of regulation time for a converted touchdown to draw the Stampeders even.

Roughriders head coach Corey Mace joked after the game that his jaw hurt from chewing his gum so hard.

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Updated: Yesterday at 11:30 PM CDT

Elks outlast Alouettes 32-29 in overtime to snap Alexander’s unbeaten streak

Shane Jones, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Elks outlast Alouettes 32-29 in overtime to snap Alexander’s unbeaten streak

Shane Jones, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 8:15 PM CDT

EDMONTON - Cody Fajardo showed his former apprentice that he can still get the job done.

Justin Rankin ran in a pair of touchdowns and quarterback Fajardo carried in the winner himself as the Edmonton Elks stopped previously-unbeatable quarterback Davis Alexander, holding on to win their home opener 32-29 in overtime over the Montreal Alouettes on a rainy Saturday.

Alexander served as Fajardo’s backup on Montreal’s 110th Grey Cup-winning team in 2023.

“It was pretty impressive the way that we gutted it out. We’re a gritty team, we’re going to find ways to win here,” Fajardo said. “We already knew we were a good football team, I think what this does is it puts the rest of the league on notice that this isn’t the same Edmonton Elks team from a couple of years ago. The standard has changed here.”

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Updated: Yesterday at 8:15 PM CDT

CFL

Hamilton Tiger-Cats' Bo Levi Mitchell (19) warms up ahead of CFL football action against the B.C. Lions in Hamilton on Friday, June 19, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nick Iwanyshyn

Bo Levi Mitchell throws five TD passes to lead Ticats to 41-27 home win over Lions

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Bo Levi Mitchell throws five TD passes to lead Ticats to 41-27 home win over Lions

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 12:24 AM CDT

HAMILTON - Bo Levi Mitchell won the showdown between last year's CFL outstanding player finalists.

Mitchell tied his career high with five touchdown passes to lead Hamilton past the B.C. Lions 41-27 on Friday, giving the Tiger-Cats their second straight victory and first at home this season. The 14-year veteran also took much of the spotlight from Lions star quarterback Nathan Rourke, who was named the 2025 MOP despite Mitchell having more passing yards (5,296 to 5,290) and TDs (36 to 31).

Rourke, though was the league's top-rushing quarterback last season with 564 yards and 10 touchdowns.

"I had a chip on my shoulder last year when it happened but that's not to say he wasn't deserving of it, he was," Mitchell said. "It's always extra motivation going into a game but it's not against any single quarterback.

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Updated: Yesterday at 12:24 AM CDT

Bomber Report

NATHAN DENETTE / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES
Jackson Jeffcoat won two Grey Cups with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Former Bomber great Jackson Jeffcoat has come to terms with the end of his playing career and wants to help others negotiate life after the final whistle

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Preview

Former Bomber great Jackson Jeffcoat has come to terms with the end of his playing career and wants to help others negotiate life after the final whistle

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Friday, Jun. 19, 2026

Most people’s lives seem perfect on social media.

At times, it feels like a never-ending, chest-beating contest filled with photos and videos of major life milestones, dream vacations, expensive meals and picture-perfect sunsets.

Then there’s former Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat, who has no problem keeping it real with his followers.

The 35-year-old, who now works as a cost estimator for a national general contracting company in Austin, Texas, has become an open book on Instagram about the challenges of life after professional football.

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Friday, Jun. 19, 2026

CFL

Saskatchewan Roughriders' DaMarcus Fields, right, tackles Calgary Stampeders' Dedrick Mills during second half CFL football action in Calgary, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Calgary Stampeders seek to rein in Saskatchewan Roughriders’ hot offence

Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Calgary Stampeders seek to rein in Saskatchewan Roughriders’ hot offence

Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Friday, Jun. 19, 2026

CALGARY - The Saskatchewan Roughriders showed what quarterback Trevor Harris can do with healthy receivers in the CFL team's season-opener.

After a 31-27 win over the visiting B.C. Lions, the Roughriders seek to carry over their sizzling offence Saturday against the host Calgary Stampeders.

The weather could factor into how both teams deploy the football at McMahon Stadium, however, as thunderstorms and showers were forecasted for Saturday afternoon and evening.

"I've always kind of prided myself on being an all-weather quarterback, especially in the rain," Harris said. "If you have high-level winds, that's what really kind of affects games. But for me, throwing into the rain is really not an issue."

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Friday, Jun. 19, 2026

NFL

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons speaks to the media after NFL football practice, Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)

Jeffery Simmons cashes in on big season by signing record-setting, 3-year deal with Titans

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Jeffery Simmons cashes in on big season by signing record-setting, 3-year deal with Titans

The Associated Press 3 minute read Friday, Jun. 19, 2026

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons cashed in on his first All-Pro selection with a record-setting deal.

Tennessee announced Friday the 28-year-old signed a multiyear contract extension. The Titans did not share terms of the deal, but ESPN.com and NFL Network both reported the three-year extension is for $35.3 million per year with $100 million guaranteed — making Simmons the highest-paid defensive tackle in league history.

“From Day 1, this organization believed in me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue to pour into this franchise and community,” Simmons said in a statement. “My job isn’t finished. I believe in this locker room and this staff, and I’m focused on helping this team get back to competing for championships.”

The Titans wanted to keep Simmons as one of the foundational pieces of their rebuild. The new deal locks him up through 2030 and is the second extension Simmons has signed. He also agreed to a four-year deal worth $94 million in 2023.

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Friday, Jun. 19, 2026

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NFL

Cincinnati Bengals Dexter Lawrence II pulls tape from his hands during the NFL football team's practice in Cincinnati, Tuesday, June 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Dexter Lawrence looking to keep same offseason approach before reporting to Bengals’ training camp

Joe Reedy, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Dexter Lawrence looking to keep same offseason approach before reporting to Bengals’ training camp

Joe Reedy, The Associated Press 4 minute read Friday, Jun. 19, 2026

CINCINNATI (AP) — Things calmed down a little bit for Dexter Lawrence during the final three weeks of the Cincinnati Bengals offseason program.

That might be the only time until January though that the defensive tackle is feeling a sense of calm.

Even though the Bengals canceled the final two days of minicamp practices, Lawrence will use the next five weeks before the start of training camp to gear up for this first season in orange and black. The Bengals acquired the three-time Pro Bowl selection from the New York Giants on April 19 for the 10th overall pick in the draft.

“I'm going to be like a boxer before they're going into a fight. You've got to put your head down and train,” Lawrence said on Wednesday at the end of offseason workouts.

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Friday, Jun. 19, 2026

CFL

Ottawa Redblacks head coach Ryan Dinwiddie looks on during first half CFL pre-season football action against the Montreal Alouettes in Montreal, Friday, May 22, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter McCabe

Dinwiddie focused on winning — not facing his former team — as Redblacks host Argos

Lisa Wallace, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Dinwiddie focused on winning — not facing his former team — as Redblacks host Argos

Lisa Wallace, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Friday, Jun. 19, 2026

OTTAWA - Ryan Dinwiddie is downplaying the significance of facing his former team, even as the Ottawa Redblacks prepare to face the Toronto Argonauts for the first time since his major off-season move.

Dinwiddie left Toronto after leading the franchise to two Grey Cup championships, taking over as head coach in Ottawa while adding the title of general manager.

The Redblacks (0-1) dropped their season opener 29-21 to the Edmonton Elks in his first game in charge, and Dinwiddie says his only focus is on ensuring his team improves on its last performance.

“I’m getting this question all of the time and it’s not that big of a deal for me,” Dinwiddie said. “I understand it’s my ex-team and I know a lot of people on that side of the building, but I’m a Redblack. That’s where I'm at, that’s where my feet are.

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Friday, Jun. 19, 2026

CFL

Edmonton Elks' running back Justin Rankin (5) jumps on the back of his teammate and offensive lineman Jordan Murray (68) following his touchdown against the Ottawa Redblacks during second-half CFL action in Ottawa, on Saturday, June 6, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

Elks embrace rain ahead of home opener against Alouettes

John Korobanik, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Elks embrace rain ahead of home opener against Alouettes

John Korobanik, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Friday, Jun. 19, 2026

EDMONTON - The Edmonton Elks moved back into the familiar confines of Commonwealth Stadium this week, but they still couldn’t escape the rain that has been their almost constant companion since early in training camp.

It is the rain, which is forecast for their home opener Saturday, that the Elks feel could give them an advantage against the unbeaten Montreal Alouettes.

“Our preseason game was in the rain, our first regular season game was in the rain, we practice in the rain a bunch,” said cornerback JJ Ross. “Obviously it changes the offensive game plan a bit, but since we’ve done it so much I think it’s an advantage for us.”

Quarterback Cody Fajardo directed the Elks to a 29-21 rain-drenched win in Ottawa two weeks ago, their first season-opening win since 2019. Playing in the rain won’t be an issue, he said.

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Friday, Jun. 19, 2026

CFL

BC Lions Sean Millington (25) celebrates one of two touchdowns he scored in the second quarter of CFL action against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in Vancouver Thursday, July 18, 2002. The Lions led 23-14 at the half. (CP PHOTO/Richard Lam)

Former Lions star running back Millington rushes into Canadian Football Hall of Fame

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Former Lions star running back Millington rushes into Canadian Football Hall of Fame

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Friday, Jun. 19, 2026

HAMILTON - Former B.C. Lions running back Sean Millington is headed to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame after being named Friday to its 2026 class.

Millington learned of the honour earlier this week when the Lions surprised him with the news before he addressed the team at practice.

"I'm elated, overjoyed, overwhelmed, grateful, blessed and amazed. It's such a shock and something you obviously think about every year. You hear who is going in and do the relative rankings in your head," said Millington. "You think maybe someday it might be nice. When it finally does happen, you can't believe it. "

The first overall pick in the 1990 CFL draft rushed for 6,086 yards and scored 87 touchdowns over a 13-season career with B.C., Edmonton, Winnipeg and Toronto.

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Friday, Jun. 19, 2026

CFL

Edmonton Elks new President and CEO Chris Morris speaks during a press conference in Edmonton, on Thursday October 31, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Elks president says CFL club still recovering from ‘disaster’ of name change

John Korobanik, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Elks president says CFL club still recovering from ‘disaster’ of name change

John Korobanik, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Friday, Jun. 19, 2026

EDMONTON - As the Edmonton Elks prepare for their home opener Saturday, team president Chris Morris says the fallout from the club's 2021 name change remains one of the biggest obstacles in rebuilding support among fans.

Morris, who spent 14 seasons on Edmonton's offensive line and won three Grey Cups with the club, said the franchise continues to deal with fallout from its 2021 name change.

"It was a disaster in so many ways," Morris said of the transition from the Eskimos to the Elks.

The club changed its name after years of criticism from Inuit leaders and organizations who said the former name was offensive and outdated. The move came amid broader pressure on sports teams to abandon names viewed as racist or stereotypical.

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Friday, Jun. 19, 2026

NFL

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) works out next to quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during NFL football practice, Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Ashburn, Va. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Jayden Daniels is done talking about last season. There’s enough on his plate for 2026

Noah Trister, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Jayden Daniels is done talking about last season. There’s enough on his plate for 2026

Noah Trister, The Associated Press 4 minute read Friday, Jun. 19, 2026

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — The start of the 2026 season is less than three months away for the Washington Commanders, and it's no surprise that Jayden Daniels wants to look forward, not backward.

“I’m done talking about last year. Last year’s last year," the 25-year-old quarterback said at minicamp this week. "Moving on to this season, and whatever happened last year is what happened last year. Can’t do anything for me but just continue to get better.”

After reaching the NFC championship game two seasons ago when Daniels was a rookie, Washington stumbled to 5-12 in 2025. The Commanders were a trendy pick to regress before the season started, and while injuries played a significant role, the naysayers ultimately had this one right when Washington went on an eight-game losing streak in the middle of the season. The big question this year is whether Daniels can stay healthy after he played only seven games last season, but there's more to rebounding than just that.

Across the board, Daniels' numbers were down in 2025 when he did play: passer rating (100.1 to 88.1), completion rate (69.0 percent to 60.6), yards per pass attempt (7.4 to 6.7) and yards per rush attempt (6.02 to 4.79). Washington went 2-5 in the games Daniels played after a 12-5 mark the previous regular season.

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Friday, Jun. 19, 2026

CFL

BC Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke (12) lines up a pass during second half CFL football action in Regina on Saturday, June 13, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Kayle Neis

Hamilton Tiger-Cats meet B.C. Lions in game with ’25 outstanding player finalists

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Hamilton Tiger-Cats meet B.C. Lions in game with ’25 outstanding player finalists

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Thursday, Jun. 18, 2026

HAMILTON - Another week, another matchup against a top CFL quarterback for Bo Levi Mitchell.

Mitchell leads the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1-1) against B.C. (0-1) on Friday night. Last year, Lions starter Nathan Rourke got the nod ahead of Mitchell for the CFL's outstanding player award while also being named its top Canadian.

But Mitchell isn't feeling any extra incentive to outplay Rourke at Hamilton Stadium.

"You look at the quarterback play around the league in the last couple of years, it's every game," Mitchell said. "It used to be back in the day it was those rivalries like me and Mike (Reilly) or Ricky (Ray), Anthony (Calvillo), Henry (Burris) but it just seems like every single week there's a guy that can get out there and get it done.

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Thursday, Jun. 18, 2026

NFL

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jake Golday (41) takes part in drills during an NFL football practice Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Eagan, Minn. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Vikings eager to develop versatile rookie linebacker Jake Golday

Dave Campbell, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Vikings eager to develop versatile rookie linebacker Jake Golday

Dave Campbell, The Associated Press 4 minute read Thursday, Jun. 18, 2026

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Jake Golday will likely spend most of his rookie season with the Minnesota Vikings on special teams while serving as the top backup to veteran inside linebackers Blake Cashman and Eric Wilson, a natural way for a late-blooming second-round draft pick to debut in the NFL.

The progression the Vikings have in mind for him, though, isn't that simple. Nothing is, really, under the direction of defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

While Golday possesses the build at 6-foot-4 and 239 pounds to be a productive off-the-ball linebacker, he was targeted in the draft as a prospect with potential to also play on the edge as a pass rusher. Golday has the athleticism and instincts, the Vikings believe, to eventually serve as the type of utility-knife starter who can thrive in any personnel group — just like Andrew Van Ginkel.

“He has some of those characteristics to him,” coach Kevin O'Connell said. “We were fortunate enough to get him where we did.”

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Thursday, Jun. 18, 2026

CFL

Saskatchewan Roughriders' Mario Alford (2) is tackled by Calgary Stampeders' Adam Konar (38) during first half CFL football action in Calgary, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Montreal Alouettes sign 2022 top special teams player Mario Alford

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Montreal Alouettes sign 2022 top special teams player Mario Alford

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Thursday, Jun. 18, 2026

MONTREAL - The Montreal Alouettes announced Tuesday that they have signed receiver/returner Mario Alford for a second stint with the club.

Alford previously played with the Alouettes for parts of three seasons from 2019-22.

He was traded to the Saskatchewan Roughriders on July 3, 2022, for a sixth-round pick in the 2023 CFL draft. He was named the CFL's outstanding special teams player that season with a league-high four return touchdowns (two kickoff, one punt, one missed field goal) in 13 regular-season games.

Alford appeared in 11 regular-season games with the Grey Cup-champion Roughriders last season, recording 44 punt returns for 476 yards and 31 kickoff returns for 876 yards, including one touchdown -- a 99-yard return with seconds remaining in a 39-32 win over Toronto.

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Thursday, Jun. 18, 2026

June 21, 2026

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