Bomber Report

CFL commissioner very enthusiastic about placing team in Atlantic Canada

Jeff Hamilton 7 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2023

Randy Ambrosie was in town earlier this week to confirm what had become the city’s worst-kept secret, that Winnipeg would be hosting the 2025 Grey Cup.

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It’s official: Blue Bombers to host 2025 Grey Cup

Jeff Hamilton 5 minute read Preview

It’s official: Blue Bombers to host 2025 Grey Cup

Jeff Hamilton 5 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 14, 2023

The CFL’s marquee event and biggest party is making its way to Winnipeg, with the city officially named hosts of the 2025 Grey Cup.

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Tuesday, Mar. 14, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

President and CEO of the Winnipeg Football Club Wade Miller and other dignitaries pose for a photo with the Grey Cup at a press conference in Winnipeg on Tuesday announcing the 2025 Grey Cup will be held at IG Field.

CFL awards 2025 Grey Cup contest to Winnipeg

Judy Owen, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

CFL awards 2025 Grey Cup contest to Winnipeg

Judy Owen, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 14, 2023

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.”

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Tuesday, Mar. 14, 2023

CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie delivers his state of the league media address at the Hamilton Convention Centre, in Hamilton, Ontario on Friday, December 10, 2021. The 2025 Grey Cup game will be played at Winnipeg’s IG Field. The CFL made the official announcement Tuesday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nick Iwanyshyn

Blue Bombers lose an icon

4 minute read Preview

Blue Bombers lose an icon

4 minute read Monday, Mar. 13, 2023

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.

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Monday, Mar. 13, 2023

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

A former Blue Bombers player, Bud Grant was appointed head coach of the club at the age of 29.

Blue Bombers coaching legend praised

Mike Sawatzky 7 minute read Preview

Blue Bombers coaching legend praised

Mike Sawatzky 7 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2023

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

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Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2023

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

A former Blue Bombers player, Bud Grant was appointed head coach of the club at the age of 29.

Neufeld: Bombers' culture a powerful element

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Neufeld: Bombers' culture a powerful element

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023

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.

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Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023

Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive lineman Pat Neufeld speaks to members of media after practice at Leibel Field in Regina, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022. The allure of CFL free agency has been lost upon Pat Neufeld. In each of the last three seasons, the Canadian offensive lineman has signed an extension to remain with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers rather hit the open market. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu

Winning free agency no guarantee of success

Jeff Hamilton 7 minute read Preview

Winning free agency no guarantee of success

Jeff Hamilton 7 minute read Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023

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

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Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023

Frank Gunn / THE CANADIAN PRESS files

Jake Wieneke (left) will be catching passes in the green of the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the 2023 CFL season.

Elite receiver Lawler returns to Bombers in pursuit of third Grey Cup in four seasons

Jeff Hamilton 6 minute read Preview

Elite receiver Lawler returns to Bombers in pursuit of third Grey Cup in four seasons

Jeff Hamilton 6 minute read Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023

Kenny Lawler said he received plenty of interest in the days leading up to CFL free agency, but his heart was always with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

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Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Receiver Kenny Lawler poses for a photo with fan Dylan Beall on Tuesday.

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

Jeff Hamilton 5 minute read Preview

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

Jeff Hamilton 5 minute read Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023

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.

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Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS files

Blue Bombers GM Kyle Walters says there’s still room to add depth to the team’s roster.

Blue Bombers sign linebacker Briggs

Staff 1 minute read Preview

Blue Bombers sign linebacker Briggs

Staff 1 minute read Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023

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

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Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023

CFL free-agency period set to begin Tuesday

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

CFL free-agency period set to begin Tuesday

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Monday, Feb. 13, 2023

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.

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Monday, Feb. 13, 2023

Saskatchewan Roughriders general manager Jeremy O'Day looks on during the CFL's Labour Day Classic against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Regina, Sask., on Sunday, September 6, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mark Taylor

Adding Lawler shows Bombers intent on building dynasty

Jeff Hamilton 5 minute read Preview

Adding Lawler shows Bombers intent on building dynasty

Jeff Hamilton 5 minute read Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023

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.

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Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023

Kenny Lawler is coming back to Winnipeg after a season in Edmonton. (Jeff McIntosh / The Canadian Press files)

Lawler returning to Bombers

Jeff Hamilton 6 minute read Preview

Lawler returning to Bombers

Jeff Hamilton 6 minute read Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023

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.

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Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS files

It looks like receiver Kenny Lawler will be back in Blue and Gold for the 2023 CFL season.

This is where I wanted to be: Demski

Jeff Hamilton 5 minute read Preview

This is where I wanted to be: Demski

Jeff Hamilton 5 minute read Monday, Feb. 6, 2023

Nic Demski certainly has a flair for the dramatic, blessed with the kind of athleticism and playmaking ability that has made him a household name not just in Winnipeg but across the CFL.

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Monday, Feb. 6, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Nic Demski talks to the media at IG Field Monday morning, after the announcement that the Winnipeg Blue Bombers signed him to a three year deal. 230206 - Monday, February 06, 2023.

Big Blue sign slotback Demski, DB Darby Jr.

Staff 2 minute read Preview

Big Blue sign slotback Demski, DB Darby Jr.

Staff 2 minute read Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023

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

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Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Bomber slotback Nic Demski signed a three-year extension as he enters his fifth season with the football club.

Five players the Bombers should chat up during legal-tampering period

Jeff Hamilton 6 minute read Preview

Five players the Bombers should chat up during legal-tampering period

Jeff Hamilton 6 minute read Friday, Feb. 3, 2023

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have mere hours remaining to give their best sales pitch to pending free agents before both sides get their chance to peak behind the curtain and see what else might be out there.

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Friday, Feb. 3, 2023

After a year in the wilderness with the Edmonton Elks, might wide receiver Kenny Lawler find his way back to donning the blue and gold? (Jason Franson / Canadian Press files)

Let the bidding begin

Jeff Hamilton 9 minute read Preview

Let the bidding begin

Jeff Hamilton 9 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023

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.

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Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023

NATHAN DENETTE / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

Blue Bombers wide receiver and native Winnipegger Nic Demski is a pending free agent coming off a career year in yards gained and touchdowns scored.

Jeffcoat has unfinished business with Big Blue

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Preview

Jeffcoat has unfinished business with Big Blue

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023

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

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Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023

Daniel Crump / Winnipeg Free Press files

Losing in last season’s Grey Cup game left a bad taste Jackson Jeffcoat’s mouth.

Dubois gives back to community

Jeff Hamilton 3 minute read Preview

Dubois gives back to community

Jeff Hamilton 3 minute read Monday, Jan. 16, 2023

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

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Monday, Jan. 16, 2023

JEFF MCINTOSH / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

The Pierre-Luc Dubois Foundation’s golf tournament raises money to help children who otherwise might not be able to afford to play hockey take part in the game.

Rourke move to Jags could benefit CFL

Jeff Hamilton 8 minute read Preview

Rourke move to Jags could benefit CFL

Jeff Hamilton 8 minute read Monday, Jan. 16, 2023

It was only a matter of time before Nathan Rourke found a new football home.

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Monday, Jan. 16, 2023

JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

QB Nathan Rourke has signed a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars after a stellar season in the CFL.

Hardrick’s return to Bombers never in doubt

Taylor Allen 3 minute read Preview

Hardrick’s return to Bombers never in doubt

Taylor Allen 3 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

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

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Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

DAVID LIPNOWSKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS files

The Blue Bombers have signed offensive lineman Jermarcus Hardrick to a one-year contract extension.

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

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023

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

Bombers coaching staff to remain unchanged for 2023 campaign

Taylor Allen 4 minute read Preview

Bombers coaching staff to remain unchanged for 2023 campaign

Taylor Allen 4 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023

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

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Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS files

Blue Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea: They’re good guys

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

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Preview

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

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023

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

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Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS files

Winnipeg Blue Bombers General Manager Kyle Walters expects several signings will be announced within the next week and a half.

Bryant still motivated to prove he’s the best

Taylor Allen 4 minute read Preview

Bryant still motivated to prove he’s the best

Taylor Allen 4 minute read Friday, Jan. 6, 2023

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

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Friday, Jan. 6, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Star left tackle Stanley Bryant re-signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Thursday on a one-year contract extension.

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