CFLPA Academy members, Bailey Feltmate, Michael O’Connor, and Tyler Turner will each receive a full scholarship to complete their firefighting training through Training Division .
Join us for an in-depth conversation with #CFL standout Larry Dean, as he sits down with Brett Lauther to discuss his remarkable journey through the world of football. In this captivating interview, Larry opens up about his illustrious career on the field, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from his time as a professional athlete all the way to his new role in football operations with the #Saskatchewan #Roughriders!
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As part of the Canadian Football League’s third annual Mentorship Program in partnership with the CFLPA Academy, seven players joined the league office for a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of the business behind professional football.
In 2016, the CFL Players Association (CFLPA) was tasked with a mandate to create a resource aimed at helping players in the Canadian Football League with life beyond the game of football.
Today, we are proud to offer a variety of support through three pillars; #Education, #Employment, and #Wellness, for ALL CFLPA Academy members, and their families.
United Steelworkers union, CFLPA and White Ribbon begin training first cohort of new Elevating Action program to end Gender-Based Violence
CFLPA ANNOUNCES THE OFFICIAL 2023 CFLPA ALL-STAR TEAM
(Hamilton, ON)- The Canadian Football League Players’ Association reveals it’s 2023 All-Star team. The CFLPA All-Stars are made up of one player from each position around the league. The All-Stars are selected based off the results of a player vote, whereby players vote for the position group that they directly match up against.
The official 2023 CFLPA All-Star are as follows:
Offence
QB — Chad Kelly (TOR)
RB — Brady Oliveira (WPG)
FB — David Mackie (BC)
SB — Dalton Schoen (WPG)
SB — Tim White (HAM)
WR — Austin Mack (MTL)
WR — Alexander Hollins (BC)
C — David Beard (HAM)
G — Brandon Revenberg (HAM)
G — Peter Nicastro (TOR)
OT — Jermarcus Hardrick (WPG)
OT — Stanley Bryant (WPG)
Defence
DT — Jake Ceresna (EDM)
DT — Mike Rose (CGY)
DE — Folarin Orimolade (TOR)
DE — Mathieu Betts (BC)
WLB — Wynton McManis (TOR)
MLB — Adam Bighill (WPG)
SLB — Adarius Pickett (TOR)
CB — Demerio Houston (WPG)
CB — Garry Peters (BC)
HB — T.J. Lee (BC)
HB — Marcus Sayles (BC)
S — Marc-Antoine Dequoy (MTL)
Special Teams
K — Sean Whyte (BC)
P — Richie Leone (OTT)
LS — Jorgen Hus (SSK)
Special – Javon Leake (TOR)
Coach – Ryan Dinwiddie (TOR)
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About the CFLPA: The Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) is the union for professional football players in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Since 1965, the Association has worked to establish fair and reasonable working conditions while protecting the rights of all CFL players. In addition to negotiating and enforcing the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the CFLPA provides a variety of member services, builds corporate and community partnerships, and works diligently for the betterment of its membership. For the latest news regarding the CFLPA, please visit www.cflpa.com or follow us on social media @CFLPA.
For more information: Brendan Heisler, CFLPA Office, b.heisler@cflpa.com, 1-800-616-6865
MISSION STATEMENT
‘To provide CFLPA members and their families with support to succeed in life today, and as they transition away from the Canadian Football field.’
IMPORTANT LINKS
REGISTER FOR MEMBERS-ONLY ACCESS
QUICK FACTS ON THE ACADEMY
2020 CFLPA AGM ACADEMY PRESENTATION
HOW TO ACCESS LIFEWORKS
IF YOU ARE A CURRENT OR FORMER PLAYER LOOKING FOR SUPPORT:
T.J. Lee is a Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) Player Representative for the BC Lions. Lee, a native of Seattle, Washington, played his university Football with the Eastern Washington Eagles of the NCAA, before eventually joining the BC Lions in 2014. T.J. is now in his 9th season with the Lions, having racked up an impressive 478 tackles and 24 interceptions over the course of his career.
As he enters his first year as a Player Representative for the CFLPA, we sat down with T.J. and asked him the following questions:
- Why did you want to become a CFLPA Player rep?
I wanted to become a PA rep to extend my role as a leader of the team. I also wanted to expand my knowledge on player relations and protocol.
- This is your 9th season playing in BC. How do you like living in Vancouver and how does it compare to Seattle where you grew up?
I was born in Houston and raised in Seattle. I am actually living in the states - Blaine, WA. It’s very similar to Seattle though and has pretty quickly become my home. It is nice to be able to go to Seattle whenever we desire and be able to visit with family.
- What is your favorite memory from playing football at Eastern Washington?
I met my wife in college so that’s one of my favorite memories. From a football perspective, it would have to be playing on the red turf and winning a National Championship.
- What are some of your favorite things to do away from football and in the offseason?
I love to go on vacations with my family, hang out with my kids, and play frisbee golf. I love teaching my kids new things in my free time.
- What is your ideal bye week during the season.
My ideal bye week is being somewhere close to water with my family. I will also receive treatments such as physical/mental therapy sessions, and massages.
- What advice would you have for any players who want to pursue a career in pro football?
Attack your goals. Always believe in yourself and dont doubt yourself if you are putting in the work. Hard work builds confidence.
- Who has inspired/helped you the most in your Football Career?
Some people who have inspired me during my football career would have to be, Coach Torey Hunter, Aaron Grymes, current CFLPA President Solomon Elimimian, and Ryan Phillips.
Mike Benson is a Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) Player Representative for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Benson, a native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, played his university Football with the Acadia Axemen of the CIS, before joining the then named Edmonton Eskimos in 2012 to begin his professional Football career. Benson is now in the 12th season of his CFL career, after becoming a Grey Cup champion with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2021
Now, in his third year as a Player Representative for the CFLPA, we sat down with Mike and asked him the following questions:
Why did you want to become a CFLPA Player rep?
I became a player rep to help Better represent my teammates, and to help foster growth and opportunities for future players.
This is your 3rd season playing in Winnipeg. How do you enjoy living and playing in the city in which you were born?
Being able to play for the team I grew up watching is truly a dream come true. To be able to play in front of family and friends is a blessing. I’m very fortunate to be able to go home to my family ever night and help be a part of my sons pivotal first few years of life.
What is your favorite memory from playing football at Acadia?
Homecoming is always an amazing game and event. I was lucky enough to have some family watching while I played one of my best games of my university career where I received defensive player of the week in the Sue.
What are some of your favorite things to do away from football and in the offseason?
I’m a big fan of the outdoors. Being able to spend time with my family and two huskies, go on adventures and head to the cabin in northwestern Ontario to spend some much needed rest time off grid.
What is your favorite part of the CFLPA AGM meetings?
The best part of the AGM meetings is really getting to know the other reps and who they are off field.
What is your ideal bye week during the season.
Heading out to the cabin with my two huskies, my son and partner to spend some time fishing, swimming, boating and relaxing in nature.
What did it mean to you to win the Grey Cup?
I was fortunate enough to win a grey cup in my 10th year in the CFL. I understand more than most how tough it is to win a championship, it’s no guarantee. Being able to win a championship for my hometown, infront of my family and friends was an amazing experience.
What advice would you have for any players who want to pursue a career in pro football?
Being a pro athlete is the ultimate dream for any athlete, however, it’s extremely hard to reach that goal. If you can use your athletic gifts to propel your academic career then I strongly advise you to do so. Being a pro athlete doesn’t last forever, but the tools you’ll learn from your time in school will help you for the rest of your life.
Who has inspired/helped you the most in your Football career?
Easy question, my mother. Her hard work and sacrifice allowed me to be where I am today. Working hard and saving money allowed me to attend a great high school, to go to college and beyond. She constantly encouraged me to try new things and to work hard. Without her showing me firsthand what to do and how to make the right decisions, I wouldn’t be where I am. My mom's the best.
Player Rep Profiles
Jake Thomas
Jake Thomas is a Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) Player Representative for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Thomas, a native of Douglas, New Brunswick, played his university Football with the Acadia Axemen of the CIS, before eventually being drafted by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, 29th overall in the 2012 CFL Draft. Thomas is now in his 12th season with the Bombers, having racked up 148 tackles in 176 career games. Jake Thomas is also a 2-time Grey Cup champion, having won the trophy in 2019, and 2021.
Now, in his third year as a Player Representative for the CFLPA, we sat down with Jake and asked him the following questions:
- Why did you want to become a CFLPA Player rep?
Just being someone who had been in the league for awhile, I thought I had a responsibility to become a rep for my locker room especially during a cba year.
- This is your 12th season playing in Winnipeg. How do you enjoy living in Winnipeg and how does it compare to living in New Brunswick?
I love Winnipeg it has so many nice restaurants, and it has a lot of major musical acts and entertainment come to the city. Also, the people are friendly like they are on the East coast.
I would say the biggest difference from home is just the number of headliners concerts that come to the area.
- What is your favorite memory from playing football at Acadia?
I would say that it would have to be winning the 2011 Aus championship.
- What are some of your favourite things to do away from football and in the offseason?
I love to spend my time playing with my kids and dog, and to spend time with my family and friends.
- What is your favorite part of the CFLPA AGM meetings?
I really enjoy the comradely between the reps and getting to meet the guys and create relationships with them away from the Football field.
- What is your ideal bye week during the season.
I like to lay low and just spend my time being around family and friends with good weather.
- What did it mean to you to win the Grey Cup?
It was an unbelievable experience. It was well worth the wait. Winning the Grey Cup helps create friendships, bonds and memories that will last forever.
- What advice would you have for any players who want to pursue a career in pro football?
Work hard and enjoy the process. It goes by fast.
- Who has inspired/helped you the most in your Football career?
The people who inspired me to get in the game would have been my older brothers Josh and Billy and my Grandfather Joey George.
With the help of the CFLPA, Upper Deck, known for its amazing sports collectibles, is on a thrilling adventure across the CFL. Their goal is to collect the highly sought-after autographs from some of our talented members for the upcoming 2023 CFL trading card sets. Upper Deck has now visited seven out of the nine CFL clubs, with completed visits with the; Calgary Stampeders, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and the BC Lions during the pre season, and stops with the Toronto Argonauts, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Montreal Alouettes, and Ottawa Red Blacks during an East Coast swing that wrapped up last week.
Stop #6 on the @upperdecksports #CFL tour was a success!
— CFLPA (@CFLPA) July 14, 2023
We had a great event with our members in Montreal! Look out for the release of the 2023 Upper Deck CFL trading cards to get your hands on some of these great autographs!#TeamCFLPA #whodoyoucollect #Alouettes #Montreal pic.twitter.com/JL8xISTS2B
Upper Deck has been traveling from city to city, meeting passionate members who make the CFL so special. They have gathered signatures from the brightest stars, making the trading cards even more exciting. But they still have more teams to visit, and fans can look forward to seeing some amazing behind-the-scenes content from the remaining six signings. The 2023 CFL trading cards will be cherished by fans, connecting them with their favorite players and the spirit of Canadian football.
The @Upperdecksports cross Canada tour rolled into Hamilton to pay a visit to our members with the Ti-Cats…
— CFLPA (@CFLPA) July 13, 2023
Look out for the release of the 2023 #UpperDeck #CFL trading cards to get your hands on one of these autographs!
#TeamCFLPA #Hamilton #Ticats #WhoDoYouCollect" pic.twitter.com/vm5gTkk5xa
We're picking up right where we left off with @UpperDeckSports as their cross Canada CFL tour makes a stop with the @TorontoArgos!
— CFLPA (@CFLPA) July 12, 2023
Look for some more great behind the scenes content as upper Deck continues their CFL tour in Hamilton, Ottawa, and Montreal this week!#TeamCFLPA pic.twitter.com/5oIXFlfe8K
We want to extend a big thank you to Upper Deck and all of our members for their hard work in organizing these successful signings. We can't wait to get our hands on some of the new and exciting trading cards in the 2023 Upper Deck CFL set.
The @upperdecksports CFL tour wraps up its east coast swing with a stop in Ottawa. #UpperDeck has now made stops to visit our members from 7 of the 9 CFL clubs, with the last two coming shortly! #TeamCFLPA #Ottawa #RedBlacks #WhoDoYouCollect pic.twitter.com/IfPbeAnyJb
— CFLPA (@CFLPA) July 19, 2023
In an inspiring display of recognition for his outstanding commitment to both the Saskatchewan community and the Canadian Football League Players' Association (CFLPA), Brett Lauther, a renowned Saskatchewan Roughrider, joined all those enjoying convocation of Saskatchewan Polytechnic as the recipient of an honorary degree. Lauther was bestowed this prestigious honor for his unwavering dedication to uplifting the greater Saskatchewan community, as well as his vital role as a Player Representative within the CFLPA.
The CFLPA Academy was created in 2016 as part of a growing resource base for the Canadian Football League Players' Association members. With a mission statement that reads: To provide CFLPA members and their families with support to succeed in life today, and as they transition away from the Canadian Football field, the Academy has provided more than 3,000 resources for our members and their families in an annual population of 700 (avg) CFLPA members. Currently, the Academy is in regular contact with more then 1,300 current and former members. The success of the programs with the three pillars of education, career, and health & wellness is directly related to our members' ownership in constructing the platform.
Expressing his gratitude, Brett Lauther acknowledged the significant partnership between the Canadian Football League Players' Association and Saskatchewan Polytechnic. He praised the educational institution for providing numerous CFL players and their families with transformative opportunities and a clear roadmap for life beyond the football field. Lauther added, "Earning something is the epitome of achievement and dignity in life. While receiving the 2023 Saskatchewan Polytechnic honorary degree is truly an exceptional honor, I am thrilled to join you all in celebrating and congratulating your remarkable achievements as graduates."
Lauther's impressive bio highlights a remarkable career spanning six CFL seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Hailing from Truro, Nova Scotia, Lauther burst onto the scene in 2018, setting a Roughrider record by converting 90% of his attempted field goals and earning the title of West Division All-Star. Lauther has consistently demonstrated his prowess on the football field, successfully converting 83% of his field goal attempts, amassing 623 points, and achieving two career-long 57-yard field goals in 2019 and 2022.
Yet, Lauther's impact extends far beyond his on-field accomplishments. He has made significant contributions to the Saskatchewan community, serving as an ambassador for the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation. Lauther actively collaborates with the charitable arm of the football club, focusing on physical and mental wellness, education, and amateur football. Notable initiatives include his involvement in the Win with Wellness program, which educates students across Saskatchewan about mental wellness, stress management, and maintaining healthy relationships. Lauther also dedicates his time to the Rider Reading Program, engaging with elementary school students to foster a love for literacy. Moreover, as an ambassador for KidSport, Lauther supports various fundraising efforts and initiatives aimed at ensuring all children have access to sports.
In 2023, Lauther demonstrated his philanthropic spirit by founding and co-organizing the inaugural Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation Winter Classic. This charity hockey game featured past and present Roughriders, NHL alumni, and other renowned guests, successfully raising $25,000 for KidSport.
Through his involvement with the Foundation and the football club's community endeavors, Lauther actively participates in multiple football camps across Regina, Saskatoon, and Northern Saskatchewan, imparting his knowledge and passion for the game to the next generation of aspiring football players.
Unsurprisingly, Lauther has won the hearts of fans and received numerous accolades for his unwavering dedication.
With the help of the CFLPA, Upper Deck, known for its amazing sports collectibles, is on a thrilling adventure across the CFL. Their goal is to collect highly sought-after autographs from some of our talented members for the upcoming 2023 CFL trading card sets. They have already visited three out of the nine CFL clubs, with completed visits with the; Calgary Stampeders, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and the BC Lions.
That feeling when you pull your teammates card! 🤩
— CFLPA (@CFLPA) June 5, 2023
The @BCLions had an awesome time during their @UpperDeckSports visit this weekend! pic.twitter.com/6mDFMjQDop
Upper Deck has been traveling from city to city, meeting passionate members who make the CFL so special. They have gathered signatures from the brightest stars, making the trading cards even more exciting. But they still have more teams to visit, and fans can look forward to seeing some amazing behind-the-scenes content from the remaining six signings. The 2023 CFL trading cards will be cherished by fans, connecting them with their favorite players and the spirit of Canadian football.
1/2A big shout out to one of our great partners Upper Deck. Over the next two weeks Upper deck will be visiting our CFL clubs and retrieving autographs for the for the 2023 CFL trading cards. Get your hands on the 2022 @UpperDeckSports CFL set by visiting: https://t.co/GBuS2uRNxL pic.twitter.com/8m3UiVya4o
— CFLPA (@CFLPA) June 3, 2023
We want to extend a big thank you to Upper Deck and all of the CFL clubs for their hard work in making these successful events. We can't wait to get our hands on some of the new and exciting trading cards in the 2023 Upper Deck CFL set.
We asked the guys to crack a pack of @CFL cards courtesy of @UpperDeckSports... here's what they got 😂@CFLPA | #TogetherWeRide pic.twitter.com/HDTXUTNuud
— Calgary Stampeders (@calstampeders) June 5, 2023
Through this animation you will learn about SkillPlan's Construction Trades Hub! - Through our amazing 3-way collaboration between Canada's Building Trades Unions (#CBTU), #SkillPlan, and your CFLPA Academy - all active members can now start learning about, training, and working in the skilled trades across Canada, the US, and beyond...
Attention #TeamCFLPA members. Over the course of the week, we will be posting videos outlining some of the resources available to you through our partnership with @cdntrades (Canada’s Building Trades Unions) and @skillplan_ca (SkillPlan).
Contact Academy@CFLPA.com to get started today!
Upper Deck
“For the first time since it’s inception, the CFL will have a full set of trading cards custom designed by industry-leader Upper Deck. The cards will represent the heritage of the league, whilst also striving to attain a new spin on the long tradition of CFL collectible merchandise. Get your CFL Upper Deck Trading cards TODAY!”
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