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BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS FILES Manitoba Bisons receiver De Shawn Le Jour (1) hopes a career in the CFL will help him become a role model for the next generation of athletes.

Sights set on making Manitoba proud

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 4, 2026

De Shawn Le Jour dialed Brian Dobie’s number with the intention of saying, “Thanks, but no thanks.”

After establishing himself as one of the top receivers in Canadian Junior Football with the Edmonton Huskies in 2021, the Regina product had ultimately decided to take his talents to the UBC Thunderbirds.

Dobie, the head coach of the Manitoba Bisons at the time, proceeded to talk Le Jour’s ear off for the next three hours and somehow convinced him to join the Herd instead.

“He did not let me get off the phone unless I told him, ‘Yeah, OK, I’m coming,” said Le Jour in a chat with the Free Press.

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Mentorship program gives veteran Masoli insight into options off football field

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Mentorship program gives veteran Masoli insight into options off football field

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Monday, Mar. 9, 2026

WATERLOO, ONTARIO - He hasn't closed the door on a 14th CFL season but Jeremiah Masoli is looking at how he can continue chasing a Grey Cup title off the football field.

The 37-year-old quarterback remains a free agent and is open to playing in 2026. But experience has taught the San Francisco native he's the exception rather than the norm in a game where the average pro career lasts less than four years.

Last week, Masoli participated in the CFL's mentorship program, a joint initiative between the league and CFL Players’ Association that provides a behind-the-scenes look at the business of football. 

Masoli was among a group of players who attended information sessions and did job shadowing at the league's head office in such departments as football operations, social media and content, marketing and communications and partnerships.

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Monday, Mar. 9, 2026

B.C. Lions quarterback Jeremiah Masoli (11) prepares to pass the ball against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers during the first half of a CFL football game in Vancouver, on Saturday, June 21, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns
B.C. Lions quarterback Jeremiah Masoli (11) prepares to pass the ball against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers during the first half of a CFL football game in Vancouver, on Saturday, June 21, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns

Saskatchewan Roughriders say they’ve received ‘strong response’ to tailgating lottery

Jeremy Simes, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Saskatchewan Roughriders say they’ve received ‘strong response’ to tailgating lottery

Jeremy Simes, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Friday, Mar. 6, 2026

REGINA - The Saskatchewan Roughriders say fans have taken them up on pre-game drinking and barbecuing in the parking lot outside Mosaic Stadium. 

The club says many have entered the lottery to win tailgating passes for the upcoming season. 

It says the passes are to cost $500, and they were only made available to season ticket members. 

The Roughriders say it doesn't have exact number of entries, but have called it a "strong response."

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Friday, Mar. 6, 2026

Spectators cheer in front of Mosaic Stadium in Regina, Monday, Nov. 17, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu
Spectators cheer in front of Mosaic Stadium in Regina, Monday, Nov. 17, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu

Windsor Lancers players Talbot, Quayson, John advance to CFL’s national combine

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Windsor Lancers players Talbot, Quayson, John advance to CFL’s national combine

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Friday, Mar. 6, 2026

Liam Talbot earned a little payback at the CFL's invitational combine.

The Windsor Lancers running back was left off the combine's initial invitation list before being added Jan. 1. The five-foot-11, 210-pound Talbot used the snub as motivation Friday in Waterloo, Ont., earning one of eight berths to the CFL's national combine March 27-29 in Edmonton.

"I've had that chip on my shoulder the last three months," Talbot said. "I've always had a chip on my shoulder but that definitely added fuel to the fire.

"I just wanted to show I do belong and I am a hell of an athlete."

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Friday, Mar. 6, 2026

Liam Talbot, a running back with the Windsor Lancers,is shown in this handout photo running the 40-yard dash at the CFL invitational combine in Waterloo, Ont., on Friday, March 6, 2026. He posted the fastest time at the combine of 4.51 seconds. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout — CFL (Mandatory Credit)
Liam Talbot, a running back with the Windsor Lancers,is shown in this handout photo running the 40-yard dash at the CFL invitational combine in Waterloo, Ont., on Friday, March 6, 2026. He posted the fastest time at the combine of 4.51 seconds. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout — CFL (Mandatory Credit)

Saskatchewan Roughriders seek someone who is energetic, keen to dress like rodent

Aaron Sousa, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Saskatchewan Roughriders seek someone who is energetic, keen to dress like rodent

Aaron Sousa, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Thursday, Mar. 5, 2026

If you are young, energetic and willing to dress like a football-obsessed rodent, there may be a job for you with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The defending CFL champions are hosting auditions for the next person to embody their beloved, furry mascot Gainer the Gopher.

"Gainer the Gopher is a critical part of our game day experience," the job ad reads.

"Whether it’s game day at Mosaic Stadium or a community appearance throughout our province, Gainer represents the heart, spirit and fun of Rider Nation."

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Thursday, Mar. 5, 2026

Gainer the Gopher greets the crowd during first half CFL action between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Calgary Stampeders in Regina on Saturday, July 6, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Matt Smith
Gainer the Gopher greets the crowd during first half CFL action between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Calgary Stampeders in Regina on Saturday, July 6, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Matt Smith

CFL officials say combine results are just a part of their annual draft preparation

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

CFL officials say combine results are just a part of their annual draft preparation

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

It's a most unconventional job interview.

On Friday, the CFL will hold its invitational combine in Waterloo, Ont., with over 80 players vying for spots at the league's national combine in Edmonton on March 27-29. Representatives from all nine teams will attend both, jotting down results and observations in preparation for the 2026 draft on April 28.

"We're looking for good football players, obviously," said Dwayne Cameron, the Calgary Stampeders' Canadian scouting director and U.S. scout. "But you're looking for guys you can project athletically that the success you've seen them have on film will translate against the bigger, faster, stronger players they'll have to compete against at the professional level."

On Friday, participants will undergo traditional physical testing: 225-pound bench press; vertical jump; broad jump; 40-yard dash; three-cone and short shuttle. They’ll also don pads for positional work and one-on-one drills.

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Thursday, Mar. 5, 2026

Malik Richards of Brampton, Ontario, takes part in on field tests during the CFL combine in Toronto, Sunday March 24, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mark Blinch
Malik Richards of Brampton, Ontario, takes part in on field tests during the CFL combine in Toronto, Sunday March 24, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mark Blinch

NLL defenceman La Roue looking forward to donning football pads at CFL combine

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

NLL defenceman La Roue looking forward to donning football pads at CFL combine

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 3, 2026

Sam La Roue is getting another chance to be a football player.

The six-foot-four, 220-pound receiver figured he was done in the sport after the Western Mustangs lost 51-31 to Wilfrid Laurier in the 2024 Yates Cup. But on Friday, La Roue, currently a defenceman with the National Lacrosse League's Halifax Thunderbirds, will don the pads again at the CFL's invitational combine.

"Towards my last season at Western, I realized it (football) was probably going to be over and I'd kind of come to terms with that," La Roue said Tuesday. "But that last game against Laurier was a bit of a struggle for me in terms of wrapping my head around that was going to be my last experience playing football.

"It's exciting to have another opportunity to put the pads on again and go compete on the football field."

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Tuesday, Mar. 3, 2026

Sam La Roue pictured at the University of Western Ontario in this undated photo. La Route is a receiver from Western who will be attending the CFL's invitational combine in Waterloo, Ont. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - University of Western Ontario athletics department. (Mandatory Credit)
Sam La Roue pictured at the University of Western Ontario in this undated photo. La Route is a receiver from Western who will be attending the CFL's invitational combine in Waterloo, Ont. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - University of Western Ontario athletics department. (Mandatory Credit)

Ryan Dinwiddie, Redblacks been very busy in CFL free agency

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Ryan Dinwiddie, Redblacks been very busy in CFL free agency

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026

Now comes the real fun for Ryan Dinwiddie.

With CFL free agency essentially over, Ryan Dinwiddie has switched from general manager to head coach/offensive co-ordinator with the Ottawa Redblacks. He's started the process of putting together the club's new-look offence and scheming the possibilities.

"Now for me it's putting in the install," Dinwiddie said in a wide-ranging interview Tuesday. "We're going to evaluate the players and how we're going to evolve the offence around which players and all of those things.

"Now is the fun part of designing it."

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Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026

Ryan Dinwiddie arrives at a press conference after being named as the new head coach and general manager of the Ottawa Redblacks CFL team in Ottawa, Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Patrick Doyle
Ryan Dinwiddie arrives at a press conference after being named as the new head coach and general manager of the Ottawa Redblacks CFL team in Ottawa, Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Patrick Doyle

Lions boost secondary by adding veteran defensive back Jamal Parker

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Lions boost secondary by adding veteran defensive back Jamal Parker

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026

VANCOUVER - The B.C. Lions have signed defensive back Jamal Parker, the CFL club announced Tuesday.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The 28-year-old from Pennsauken, N.J., had 36 defensive tackles, one interception, and a 60-yard fumble return touchdown in 11 games with Winnipeg last season.

Parker missed the 2024 season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament sustained in training camp.

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Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026

Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Jamal Parker (left) tackles Edmonton Elks' Odieu Hiliare (84) during first half CFL action in Edmonton on Saturday, October 11, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Amber Bracken
Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Jamal Parker (left) tackles Edmonton Elks' Odieu Hiliare (84) during first half CFL action in Edmonton on Saturday, October 11, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Amber Bracken

Seven players participating in CFL mentorship program

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Seven players participating in CFL mentorship program

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026

TORONTO - Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli and Canadian offensive lineman Landon Rice are among seven players who'll participate in the league's mentorship program this year.

Masoli, an American who spent last season with the B.C. Lions, and Rice, who played in 2025 with the Montreal Alouettes, are both currently CFL free agents. Joining them in the program will be Calgary offensive lineman Bryce Bell, Toronto linebacker Jack Cassar, Hamilton safety Stavros Katsantonis, Winnipeg linebacker Redha Kramdi and Stampeders defensive lineman Folarin Orimolade.

The program is a joint venture between the league and CFL Players' Association. It provides participants with a behind-the-scenes look at the business of the game and potential opportunities after football.

The participants will attend information sessions and do job shadowing at the CFL's head office in such departments as football operations, social media and content, marketing and communications and partnerships. They'll also visit TSN -- the league's broadcast partner -- and assist at the league's invitational combine in Waterloo, Ont., on March 6.

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Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026

Montreal Alouettes quarterback Trevor Harris (17) scrambles as offensive lineman Landon Rice (55) blocks Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive end Julian Howsare (95) during first half CFL division semi-final football action in Hamilton, Ont., on Sunday, November 28, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Montreal Alouettes quarterback Trevor Harris (17) scrambles as offensive lineman Landon Rice (55) blocks Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive end Julian Howsare (95) during first half CFL division semi-final football action in Hamilton, Ont., on Sunday, November 28, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Defensive back notes Bombers’ culture as incentive for signing

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Preview

Defensive back notes Bombers’ culture as incentive for signing

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

Jonathan Moxey has a theory on what has made the Winnipeg Blue Bombers so successful dating back to 2019.

“To be 100 per cent transparent with you, I do not think Winnipeg had the best rosters when they were winning these games and going to the Grey Cup. I just think they had the culture and the coaching continuity,” said the 30-year-old defensive back from West Palm Beach, Fla.

Moxey doesn’t say that as a knock. It’s actually one of the key reasons why the former Hamilton Tiger-Cat was eager to sign with the Bombers on the opening day of free agency earlier this month.

“Because of that, it allowed those guys to know the system that they’re in, play next to the same guys for longer periods of time, and they created something, man,” said Moxey in a chat with the Free Press.

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Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

Jon Blacker / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

Jonathan Moxey (6) intercepts a pass last season. The defensive back had three interceptions last year and is excited to get to work with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after inking a two-year contact with the club on Feb. 10.
Jon Blacker / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Jonathan Moxey (6) intercepts a pass last season. The defensive back had three interceptions last year and is excited to get to work with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after inking a two-year contact with the club on Feb. 10.

Veteran American receiver Rhymes retires after eight CFL campaigns

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Veteran American receiver Rhymes retires after eight CFL campaigns

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Friday, Feb. 20, 2026

Dominique Rhymes is leaving pro football on his own terms to start his own team.

The veteran American receiver announced his retirement Friday after eight CFL seasons. Rhymes, 32, of Miami, said he entertained offers this off-season as a free agent but began seriously pondering retirement roughly two months ago as he and his wife, Mackenzie, prepare for the birth of their first child in April.

"It's been in my mind that it might be time to pivot into another direction," Rhymes said. "I was totally happy (with retirement) because I've played football for a long time, I've had fun and given it my all.

"I've impacted so many people along the way and so many people have impacted me. I literally have no regrets … I'm someone who has fun in life and I'm ready for the next phase because I know it's going to be just as fun."

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Friday, Feb. 20, 2026

Edmonton Elks' Chelen Garnes, right, and Kobe Williams, left, tackle Calgary Stampeders' Dominique Rhymes during second half CFL football action in Calgary, Alta., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Edmonton Elks' Chelen Garnes, right, and Kobe Williams, left, tackle Calgary Stampeders' Dominique Rhymes during second half CFL football action in Calgary, Alta., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

‘Heart and soul’ receiver retires with final salute to Winnipeg

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Preview

‘Heart and soul’ receiver retires with final salute to Winnipeg

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026

Drew Wolitarsky didn’t get a fairytale ending to his playing career.

Released by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after seven seasons with the team, the receiver from Santa Clarita, Calif., spent 2025 with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats where injuries limited him to two games.

“Ohhh… man, that was the hardest year, probably, of my career. No, not even ‘probably.’ It was the hardest year of my career,” Wolitarsky said in a Zoom call on Thursday while vacationing on Madeira Island in Portugal.

While every athlete dreams of being showered with championship confetti and champagne on their way out, Wolitarsky got perhaps the next best thing: the Bombers signed the 30-year-old to a one-day contract Thursday so he could properly retire as a member of the organization that means the most to him.

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Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026

Heywood Yu / The Canadian Press Files

Drew Wolitarsky was released by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after seven seasons with the team.
Heywood Yu / The Canadian Press Files Drew Wolitarsky was released by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after seven seasons with the team.

Wolitarsky signs one-day deal with Winnipeg so he can retire with Blue Bombers

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Wolitarsky signs one-day deal with Winnipeg so he can retire with Blue Bombers

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026

WINNIPEG - Drew Wolitarsky retired Thursday as a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The veteran receiver signed a one-year deal with Winnipeg, allowing him to call it a career with the franchise.

Wolitarsky, 30, spent seven of his eight CFL seasons with Winnipeg (2017-19, 2021-24). He was with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats last year, suiting up for two games.

Wolitarsky won two Grey Cups with Winnipeg (2019, 2021). He recorded 227 catches for 2,954 yards and 18 touchdowns in 96 regular-season games with the club.

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Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026

Montreal Alouettes defensive back Kabion Ento (48) knocks down a pass intended for Winnipeg Blue Bombers wide receiver Drew Wolitarsky (82) during the first half of football action at the 110th CFL Grey Cup in Hamilton, Ont., on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023. The Montreal Alouettes signed American defensive back Ento to a two-year contract on Thursday, keeping him with the team through 2026.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Montreal Alouettes defensive back Kabion Ento (48) knocks down a pass intended for Winnipeg Blue Bombers wide receiver Drew Wolitarsky (82) during the first half of football action at the 110th CFL Grey Cup in Hamilton, Ont., on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023. The Montreal Alouettes signed American defensive back Ento to a two-year contract on Thursday, keeping him with the team through 2026.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Veteran receivers Daniels, Rhymes among players still on CFL’s open market

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Veteran receivers Daniels, Rhymes among players still on CFL’s open market

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026

There's still quality available more than a week after the start of CFL free agency.

Over 250 players hit the open market Feb. 10. Many signed extensions with their current teams, others moved on while some simply retired.

However, good players remain, including proven American receivers DaVaris Daniels and Dominique Rhymes.

Daniels, 33, has spent nine seasons with Calgary (2016-18), Edmonton (2019) and Toronto (2021-25). The six-foot, 203-pound Daniels is a three-time Grey Cup champion, was the CFL's top rookie in 2016 and has 444 career catches for 6,609 yards and 43 TDs.

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Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026

Toronto Argonauts' DaVaris Daniels drinks from the Grey Cup trophy after defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to win the 111th CFL Grey Cup, in Vancouver on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Toronto Argonauts' DaVaris Daniels drinks from the Grey Cup trophy after defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to win the 111th CFL Grey Cup, in Vancouver on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

‘We’re in it to win it this year’

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Preview

‘We’re in it to win it this year’

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026

Zach Collaros should be one happy camper these days.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers started the off-season by hiring his pal Tommy Condell to be the club’s new offensive co-ordinator, then went on a massive spending spree in free agency to acquire offensive lineman Jarell Broxton, defensive tackle Jake Ceresna, receivers Tim White and Tommy Nield, cornerback Jonathan Moxey, and linebacker Jovan Santos-Knox.

It’s safe to say the veteran quarterback is a huge fan of the work general manager Kyle Walters and head coach Mike O’Shea have done in recent months.

“I don’t know if it’s a statement, but for myself, being a little longer in the tooth in this game, and some of the other guys that have been here for a long period of time, I think it just sends a message like, ‘Hey, we’re trying to win now. We want to continue competing for Western championships and competing for Grey Cups,’” said Collaros, who’s in Winnipeg this week for marketing obligations with the club.

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Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026

RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS

Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros said Tuesday that it’s clear general manager Kyle Walters and head coach Mike O’Shea tried to address the club’s deficiencies with the team’s off-season signings.
Ruth Bonneville / Free Press Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros said Tuesday that it’s clear general manager Kyle Walters and head coach Mike O’Shea tried to address the club’s deficiencies with the team’s off-season signings.

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