CFL awards 2025 Grey Cup contest to Winnipeg

WINNIPEG - If Willie Jefferson needed any motivation to keep playing for the Blue Bombers, he received it with Tuesday’s official announcement that the 2025 Grey Cup will be held in Winnipeg.

The defensive lineman and fan favourite is signed through the upcoming CFL season and made Winnipeg his permanent family home last year.

“It’s a big incentive,” said Jefferson, 32, who attended the press conference at IG Field.

“The Grey Cup coming here in 2025 kind of makes it hard to think about going anywhere else. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else to play in the 2025 Grey Cup.”

Blue Bombers lose an icon

Bud Grant, who won four Grey Cups as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach and would later lead the Minnesota Vikings to four Super Bowl losses, died Saturday.

Blue Bombers coaching legend praised

Bud Grant had the public persona of a stoic, hard-driving taskmaster.

Neufeld: Bombers' culture a powerful element

The allure of CFL free agency has been lost upon Pat Neufeld.

Since 2019, the veteran offensive lineman has signed an extension to remain with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers rather hit the open market. In fact, the six-foot-five, 290-pound Regina native agreed to a one-year deal last November, months before the start of CFL free agency.

Neufeld isn't alone. Winnipeg's roster is chock full of veterans who have opted to remain in Manitoba rather than test free agency.

"It's so cliché and it has been said for years but it's the culture," Neufeld said. "It's something that when new guys come, we want them to be involved with.

Winning free agency no guarantee of success

With free agency officially opening on Tuesday, the CFL has been busy the last couple of days.

Blue Bombers GM says, ‘We’re pretty much done spending’

A busy off-season spent retaining much of its talent from last season made for a quiet day for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as CFL free agency officially opened on Tuesday.

Blue Bombers sign linebacker Briggs

The CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed Canadian linebacker Jesse Briggs to a one-year contract.

CFL free-agency period set to begin Tuesday

Now comes the waiting for Jeremy O'Day.

According to CFL sources last week, the Saskatchewan Roughriders GM reached agreements in principle with quarterback Trevor Harris and receiver Jake Wieneke during the CFL's free-agent negotiating window.

The sources spoke on the condition of anonymity as deals reached during that time couldn't be announced.

Now, the Montreal Alouettes will have until Tuesday morning to re-sign Harris and/or Wieneke before the start of free agency, although both are expected to head West once their present deals expire.

Adding Lawler shows Bombers intent on building dynasty

By convincing Kenny Lawler to come to Winnipeg despite offers for more money elsewhere, the Blue Bombers added arguably the CFL’s best receiver to an already star-studded roster.

Lawler returning to Bombers

The Kenny Lawler sweepstakes began in earnest this week, with the Edmonton Elks receiver doing his rounds across the league, taking full advantage of the CFL’s “legal tampering” period ahead of free agency.

Big Blue sign slotback Demski, DB Darby Jr.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers announced the signing of two key contributors, slotback Nic Demski and defensive back Alden Darby Jr.

Let the bidding begin

With just two weeks before the start of free agency on Feb. 14, we’ve reached the calm before the inevitable storm for front offices across the CFL.

Jeffcoat has unfinished business with Big Blue

Jackson Jeffcoat made it overwhelmingly clear: there’s unfinished business in Winnipeg.

Dubois gives back to community

MONTREAL – Many know Pierre-Luc Dubois, the hockey player. Now meet Pierre-Luc Dubois, the philanthropist.

Hardrick’s return to Bombers never in doubt

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers value continuity and their offensive line proves it.

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

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.

Bombers coaching staff to remain unchanged for 2023 campaign

All signs point to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers heading into 2023 with the exact same coaching staff from last season.

Bombers GM looks to tie up loose ends as free agency looms

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have lost an intriguing young prospect to the NFL.

Bryant still motivated to prove he’s the best

An argument could be made that Stanley Bryant is the greatest offensive lineman in CFL history.