FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 25, 2025
CFL Players’ Association Partners with Lids to Launch Custom Headwear Line Featuring CFL Players
Mississauga, ON – The Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) is proud to announce a new partnership with Lids Sports Group, a leading retailer of licensed sports headwear and apparel. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in spotlighting all CFLPA members through a dynamic and customizable line of headwear.
Through this agreement, Lids has been granted a license to customize your favorite team's hat, using CFLPA logos along with signatures of active CFLPA members.
All active CFLPA members will be invited to participate in the program, providing fans with a unique way to celebrate and support their favourite players. The customized hats will be created using Lids products, ensuring both quality and brand consistency, and will be available through select Lids retail channels.
“We’re excited to partner with Lids to deliver a new line of product that celebrates the identity of all CFL players,” said CFLPA Executive Director, David Mackie. “This is a meaningful opportunity for our members to connect with fans across the country, while building their personal brands through officially licensed merchandise.”
The CFLPA-Lids partnership is part of the Association’s broader effort to grow the visibility of CFL athletes and create new commercial opportunities for players beyond the field.
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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 - CFLPA Media Contact:
Brendan Heisler, CFLPA Office | b.heisler@cflpa.com | (647) 453-4848
Mississauga, ON – The Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) is proud to announce a new partnership between the CFLPA Academy and Tech Career Bridge, a leading career exploration platform that uses technology to help individuals identify and pursue their potential career options.
Through this partnership, CFLPA Members will gain access to personalized, career exploration reports that analyze their skill sets developed through football and life experiences and show how those skills translate into the professional world. Using Tech Career Bridge’s technology, each player will receive a customized report outlining career paths, industries, and roles that align with their strengths and experiences on and off the field.
“This partnership is about giving our members a clear roadmap for their next chapter,” said CFLPA Executive Director, David Mackie. “The skills and discipline developed in professional football are incredibly valuable in many industries, and Tech Career Bridge provides the tools to help our players see exactly where those strengths can take them.”
The CFLPA Academy, which exists to support members in preparing for life after football, will integrate Tech Career Bridge as a core component of its career transition resources for all Academy members. The goal is to make the challenging move from professional athletics to the workforce a more accessible, informed, and empowering process for CFLPA Members.
"We are excited to partner with the CFLPA and support athletes in their transitions to careers and success outside of football". Said Tech Career Bridge Executive Director, Andrew Wahba. "So many skills are developed through sport that are transferable to the workplace and we are happy to help identify and map them to new opportunities.”
By highlighting transferable skills such as leadership, teamwork, strategic thinking, and adaptability, Tech Career Bridge will help players explore new opportunities and take proactive steps toward building meaningful careers beyond the game of Football.
The CFLPA Academy is proud to present an inspiring new video featuring alumni of the MHSc (Masters of Science) in Health Administration program at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto — including former CFL defensive back Ryan Hinds. This compelling conversation highlights the dynamic intersection of professional sports and public health, showcasing how former athletes are translating their on-field discipline into meaningful, impactful careers in health and community service.
Hosted by the CFLPA Academy, the video offers insights into the personal and academic journeys of these MHSc graduates, shedding light on why they chose public health, what challenges they faced in transition, and how their lived experiences in sport have enriched their perspectives as health professionals. Ryan Hinds shares his unique path from the CFL to the classroom and beyond, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning, purpose-driven work, and serving underserved communities.
This release underscores the CFLPA Academy’s commitment to supporting players in their post-football careers by connecting them with educational and professional development opportunities.
Watch the video now to learn how CFL players can join in tackling today’s biggest public health challenges — and win in new ways.
Contact Academy@CFLPA.com to learn more about this or any ongoing opportunities!
🏆 Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at #GreyCup 111 with Has Malik at CFLPA HQ, powered by SaskPolytech! This year marks an exciting milestone with the expanded partnership between SaskPolytech and CFLPA Academy, bringing new opportunities for aspiring athletes and professionals. Don’t miss the action, insights, and more! 🏈🔥
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