27 November 2024

2024 CFLPA ALL-STAR TEAM ANNOUNCED

For Immediate Release

(Vancouver, BC)- The Canadian Football League Players’ Association is proud to announce it’s 2024 All-Star team.  These CFLPA All-Stars represent the best players at each position around the CFL.  All-Stars are selected based off the results of a player vote, whereby individual players vote on the position group that they directly match up against.  This year saw record participation, with 447 ballots cast across the 9 member clubs.

Winning a CFLPA All-Star designation is one of the highest honours a player in the CFL can receive - his own opponents have judged him to be the very best they have played against. 

The official 2024 CFLPA All-Star are as follows:

Defence
DE: Folarin Orimolade (TOR) 
DE: Willie Jefferson (WPG) 
DT: Jake Ceresna (TOR) 
DT: Mustafa Johnson (MTL) 
WLB: Tyrice Beverette (MTL) 
MLB: Wynton McManis (TOR) 
SLB: Adarius Pickett (OTT) 
CB: Tyrell Ford (WPG) 
CB: Jamal Peters (HAM) 
HB: Rolan Milligan (SSK) 
HB: Damon Webb (OTT) 
S: Marc-Antoine Dequoy (MTL) 

Offence
QB: Bo Levi Mitchell (HAM) 
FB: David Mackie (BC) 
RB: Brady Oliveira (WPG) 
C: David Beard (HAM) 
G: Brandon Revenberg (HAM) 
G: Drew Desjarlais (OTT) 
T: Dejon Allen (TOR) 
T: Stanley Bryant (WPG) 
SB: Justin McInnis (BC) 
SB: Justin Hardy (OTT) 
WR: Eugene Lewis (EDM) 
WR: Alexander Hollins (BC) 

Special
K: Sean Whyte (BC) 
P: Jake Julien (EDM) 
LS: Jorgen Hus (SSK) 
ST: Janarion Grant (TOR) 

Coach: Jason Maas (MTL) 

BY CLUBS:
1.      TOR (5)
2.      BC (4)
3.      HAM (4)
4.      OTT (4)
5.      WPG (4)
6.      MTL (4)
7.      SSK (2)
8.      EDM (2)
9.      CAL (0)


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, 647-453-4848

15 November 2024

CFLPA ANNOUNCES ADAM BIGHILL AS THE RECIPIENT OF THE 2024 TOM PATE AWARD

(Vancouver, BC) -  At each Grey Cup, the Canadian Football League Players’ Association has the honour of presenting the Tom Pate Award.  It is an award presented not just for one’s ability to perform on the field, but rather it is an award given to a player who also displays qualities that distinguish them from their peers off the field as well. 

The CFLPA is proud to announce Adam Bighill from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as the 2024 Tom Pate Award recipient. Throughout his years in Winnipeg, Adam’s dedication goes far beyond the field, dedicating his time within the Winnipeg community.  As the President of Making Faces, he inspires confidence and resilience in young people facing facial differences, guiding them to embrace their uniqueness with strength. He also shares his passion for football and youth development through Recruit Ready, where he coaches varsity and youth athletes, participates in fundraisers, and lends his expertise in board meetings. In addition, Adam contributes his time to Football Manitoba, coaching flag football, and supports the Manitoba Minor Football Association, helping to nurture the next generation of football talent. His commitment to giving back is a shining example of leadership, and we are thrilled to recognize him for his incredible impact.

Tom Pate had a unique combination of outstanding sportsmanship, dedication and sense of community.  He was educated at the University of Nebraska where he majored in business administration while playing for the Cornhuskers.   He joined the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 1975 and as a rookie played 14 regular season games.  In October 1975, his life was abruptly ended, when in his fourteenth game against the Stampeders in Calgary, he suffered an aneurysm in the fourth quarter.  Pate, only 23 at the time, never regained consciousness and passed away just two days later.

Each year, the current CFLPA membership across the league select a teammate to be nominated for this award and represent their respective team.  The recipient embodies the qualities that distinguished Tom Pate; qualities that recognize a Player with outstanding sportsmanship, a Player who has made a contribution to his team as well as to his community and to his Association.  From the 9 Team nominees, one individual member is selected to receive the honour of being awarded the Tom Pate Award for that season.

Previous Recipients of the Tom Pate Memorial Award :
2023 Brett Lauther Saskatchewan Roughriders
2022 Emmanuel Arceneaux Edmonton Elks
2021 Mike Daly Hamilton Tiger Cats 
2019 Rob Maver Calgary Stampeders
2018 Ryan King Edmonton Eskimos 
2017 Adarius Bowman Edmonton Eskimos 
2016 Marco Iannuzzi B.C. Lions 
2015 Henry Burris Ottawa RedBlacks 
2014 Randy Chevrier Calgary Stampeders 
2013 Kyries Hebert Montreal Alouettes 
2012 Brian Bratton Montreal Alouettes 
2011 Kevin Glenn Hamilton Tiger Cats 
2010 Wes Lysack Calgary Stampeders 
2009 Marwan Hage Hamilton Tiger Cats 
2008 Jeremy O’Day Saskatchewan Roughriders  
2007 Milt Stegall Winnipeg Blue Bombers 
2006 Mark Washington B.C. Lions 
2005 Danny McManus Hamilton Tiger Cats 
2004 Barron Miles Montreal Alouettes 
2003 Steve Hardin B.C. Lions 
2002 Greg Frers Calgary Stampeders 
2001 Rick Walters Edmonton Eskimos 
2000 Mike Morreale Hamilton Tiger Cats 
1999 Jamie Taras B.C. Lions 
1998 Glen Scrivener Winnipeg Blue Bombers 
1997 Mark McLoughlin  Calgary Stampeders 
1996 Michael “Pinball” Clemons Toronto Argonauts 
1995 Mark McLoughlin  Calgary Stampeders 
1994 O.J. Brigance Baltimore Stallions 
1993 Michael “Pinball” Clemons Toronto Argonauts 
1992 Danny Barrett B.C. Lions 
1991 Stu Laird Calgary Stampeders 
1990 Ritchie Hall Saskatchewan Roughriders 
1989 Matt Dunigan B.C. Lions 
1988 Hector Pothier Edmonton Eskimos 
1987 Nick Arakgi Montreal Alouettes 
1986 Tyrone Crews B.C. Lions 
1985 Jerry Friesen Saskatchewan Roughriders 
1984 Bruce Walker Ottawa Rough Riders 
1983 Henry Waszczuk Hamilton Tiger Cats 
1982 David Boone Edmonton Eskimos 
1981 Ken McEachern Saskatchewan Roughriders 
1980 Jim Codde Ottawa Rough Riders 
1979 Peter Muller Toronto Argonauts 
1978 John Helton Calgary Stampeders 
1977 Ron Lancaster Saskatchewan Roughriders 
1976 George Reed Saskatchewan Roughriders 

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.


CFLPA Media Contact: 
Brendan Heisler, CFLPA Office | b.heisler@cflpa.com | 647-453-4848

29 October 2024

CFLPA Announces 2024 Players HQ’ Powered by Saskatchewan Polytechnic

  CFLPA AND SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCE THE 2024 CFLPA PLAYERS HQ AT MAHONY’S TAVERN.   
CFLPA Players HQ, powered by Saskatchewan Polytechnic will run from Thursday, November 14th, through Saturday, November 16th, at Mahony’s Tavern in Vancouver, BC.

Toronto, ON - Today, the Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) and Saskatchewan Polytechnic announced the details of the CFLPA HQ during the 111th Grey Cup week in Vancouver, British Columbia. 
 
The 2024 CFLPA Players’ HQ, powered by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, will be a great opportunity for Canadian football fans to meet and interact with both current and former CFLPA members. The annual CFLPA Grey Cup week party is free to attend and invites fans to enjoy autograph signings, games, giveaways, pictures with the Grey Cup, and much more! 
 
Solomon Elimimian, CFLPA President, expressed his excitement about uniting Canadian football fans across the nation at the 2024 CFLPA Players Headquarters. "Our players always look forward to connecting with their supporters, and we can't wait to create an unforgettable experience for everyone to enjoy during this year’s Grey Cup celebrations, he said. 

Pete Mahony, Managing Partner at Mahony’s Tavern, echoed the enthusiasm, stating, “As huge football fans ourselves, we couldn’t be more excited to partner with the CFLPA as the official HQ for the Grey Cup Festival. With a full week of events planned, including CFL player appearances, VIP events, giveaways, and the Grey Cup itself on-site, we’re thrilled to be at the heart of it all as we gear up for event week.  

“Over the last few years, we’ve seen firsthand the energy this city brings in support of its local sports teams. Hosting the Festival in Vancouver is a true testament to our city’s passion.” 

The 2024 CFLPA Players’ HQ, powered by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, will be free of charge and open to everyone on a first come, first serve basis.   
 
The event will be held at Mahony’s Tavern. 1055 Canada Pl, #36, Vancouver BC, V63 OC3. 

  • Thursday, November 14th, 3:00-7:00 PM  
  • Friday, November 15th, 3:00-7:00 PM  
  • Saturday, November 16th, 1:00-5:00 PM  

More details regarding specific events will be released in the days and weeks leading up the 111th Grey Cup Festival!  

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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.  

About Mahony’s Tavern: Known for offering a laid-back West Coast pub experience, Mahony’s Tavern is the evolution of a brand that began in 2006 in Vancouver as Mahony & Sons. A place where visitors and locals alike can come together to indulge in the art of casual consumption to enjoy classic fare and beverages from B.C. and beyond, Mahony’s Tavern prides itself on its signature sense of hospitality and unparalleled service. With two lively venues featuring expansive dining rooms, private group spaces, and patios with picture-perfect views of the ocean, mountains and cityscapes for which Vancouver is famously known, Mahony’s Tavern is proud to welcome guests to its iconic False Creek and freshly renovated Convention Centre locations. 
  
CFLPA Media Contact:   
Brendan Heisler, CFLPA Office | b.heisler@cflpa.com | 647-453-4848 

SMC Communications Inc. for Mahony’s Tavern: 
‘Kiitan Owoyele | kiitan@shelleymcarthur.com  | 778-836-8854  

22 November 2023

CFLPA Grey Cup Week Recap

Grey Cup week was a success! Take a look at a quick recap of everything #TeamCFLPA was up to during the 110th #GreyCup! A big thanks goes out to our committed members, great fans, and amazing partners who helped make this all possible!

#CFL #CFLPA

15 November 2023

CFLPA Partners with BILI for unique earning opportunities off the field

Wednesday, November 15th, 2023

Unlocking Earning Potential: CFL Players’ Association Partners with BILI for Unique Earning Opportunities off the Field


Toronto, Canada - BecauseILoveIt.com (BILI), a social commerce platform designed to improve the connection between brands and social media creators, today is launching a groundbreaking exclusive partnership with The Canadian Football League Players' Association (CFLPA). This partnership marks a significant step towards supporting CFLPA members in their quest for success both on and off the field.

The objective of this partnership is rooted in the shared mission of BILI and the CFLPA to provide CFL players with the tools they need to succeed, in particular, BILI's innovative platform empowers players to leverage their social media presence and content to unlock new opportunities as creators and influencers.

BILI offers players two exciting avenues to earn from their social media efforts:

  •  “BILI Base” empowers players to curate their own online stores on Store.BecauseILoveIt.com, featuring products they love. They receive a personalized link, perfect for sharing across their social media networks, and have the opportunity to earn attractive affiliate commissions, ranging from 10% to 40%, on the products sold through their stores.
  •  Meanwhile, “BILI Boost” is a dynamic program that fosters exciting collaborations between brands and players. For instance, a recent partnership with a global sports streaming service and CFL players including 2023 MVP, Henoc Muamba of the Toronto Argos. Through BILI Boost, players are compensated for crafting unique branded content and sharing it across social platforms.

“This collaboration opens up exciting opportunities for our 650 plus member players to engage with fans and bring their personal brand to life beyond the field of play. We are always looking for innovative and entrepreneurial ways to support our members today and tomorrow, and our partnership with BILI helps us do that.” says CFLPA Executive Director, Brian Ramsay.

Adrian Capobianco, co-founder and CEO at BILI says, “Our partnership with the CFLPA as the exclusive Social Commerce partner marks a game-changing moment. We offer brands access to over 10,000 creators to share and sell their products across North America. The addition of CFL athletes to our community is a great fit for many brands looking to stand out by leveraging the athlete’s personalities.”

BILI's performance-driven model operates seamlessly across all social media platforms. With a database of over 11,000 influencers across North America, collectively reaching +300 million impressions daily, BILI empowers influencers to directly earn commissions and fees from brands across these channels. Brands partnering with BILI can enjoy substantial reach, while consumers benefit from trusted influencer endorsements. BILI's rapid growth since inception, underscores its dedication to transforming the North American influencer-brand-consumer landscape, providing brands and creators a more efficient and effective Social Commerce experience.

Media Inquiries Contact:

Wendy Bairos: Communications Lead, BILI wendy@becauseiloveit.com

Brendan Heisler: CFLPA Office, b.heisler@cflpa.com

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.

About BecauseILoveIt.com (BILI)

BecauseILoveIt.com (BILI) is a leading social commerce platform that empowers individuals to monetize their social media content and become influencers and creators. By connecting creators with brands and enabling them to create personalized online stores, BILI helps creators maximize their earning potential while leveraging their social media presence.

1 November 2023

2023 CFLPA Players’ HQ, Powered by Saskatchewan Polytechnic Official Details

November 1, 2023

CFLPA AND SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCE THE 2023 CFLPA PLAYERS HQ.

CFLPA Players HQ, powered by Saskatchewan Polytechnic will run from Friday, November 17th to Sunday, November 19th at The Gown and Gavel, in Hamilton, Ontario. 

Mississauga, ON - Today, the Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) and Saskatchewan Polytechnic announced the details of the CFLPA HQ during the 110th Grey Cup week in Hamilton, Ontario.

The 2023 CFLPA Players’ HQ, powered by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, will be a great opportunity for Canadian football fans to meet and interact with both current and former CFLPA members. The annual CFLPA Grey Cup week party is free to attend and invites fans to enjoy autograph signings, games, giveaways, pictures with the Grey Cup, and much more!

“We are overjoyed to bring together Canadian Football fans from all over the country during our 2023 CFLPA Players Headquarters”, said CFLPA Executive Director Brian Ramsay. “Our members are always excited to interact with our fans, and we are greatly looking forward to hosting a memorable event for all CFL fans to enjoy during the Grey Cup Festivities.”

The 2023 CFLPA Players’ HQ, powered by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, will be free of charge and open to everyone on a first come, first serve basis.  

The event will be held at The Gown and Gavel, 24 Hess Street S, L8P 3M8, on: 

  • Friday, November 17th, 3:00-7:00 PM 
  • Saturday, November 18th, 1:00-5:00 PM 
  • Sunday, November 19th, 1:00-5:00 PM 

More details regarding specific events will be released in the days and weeks leading up the 110th Grey Cup Festival! 

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. 


CFLPA Media Contact: 
Brendan Heisler, CFLPA Office | b.heisler@cflpa.com | 1-800-616-6865 

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