Longtime CFL receiver Cory Watson joins Concordia University coaching staff

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

Longtime CFL receiver Cory Watson has joined the coaching staff at Concordia University, becoming one of the organization’s receivers coaches.

“Cory has to be one of the top athletes to ever play here,” said head coach Brad Collinson in a statement. “When you can find someone with Cory’s expertise and experience, it is a welcome addition to the coaching staff. Also, having an alumnus involved with your team and back in the maroon and gold, that’s special.”

Watson will coach alongside former CFL receiver Seydou Junior Haidara, who was a second-round pick out of Laval University in 2013 before retiring to join the Stingers as an assistant coach in 2019.

“The receivers typically are a large group and having two accomplished and respected coaches working with them is going to benefit our program,” said Collinson.

Waton was a second-round pick of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 2011 CFL Draft out of Concordia. He played ten seasons in the CFL, recording 374 receptions for 4,138 yards and 17 touchdowns over 148 games with Winnipeg, Edmonton, B.C., and Saskatchewan. He won a Grey Cup in 2015 as a member of the Elks.

The native of Dollard des Ormeaux, Que. played four seasons with the Stingers and finished his U Sports career with 109 receptions for 1,744 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was named a second team all-Canadian in his final year at Concordia.

“I’ve learned a lot from football,” said Watson. “I learned a lot from being here at Concordia and it contributed a lot to my success on and off the field. My hope is to be able to help put our players in a situation to have success on the field. I understand the emotions you go through during a game and where your mind has to be.”