Watch out CFL fans, artificial intelligence is coming for your jobs next!
Popular Canadian historian Craig Baird, host of the Canadian History Ehx podcast, is known for his comedic use of AI image generation software to celebrate Canadian history and culture on Twitter, with past projects including creating a Muppet version of every Prime Minister. On Saturday, he responded to public demand by asking the software to produce an image of the average fan of all nine CFL franchises, both male and female.
The project was inspired by a similar prompt last week for Canadian NHL teams and the results were as amusing as expected. Beginning with Saskatchewan Roughriders, it would appear that a green wig is all it takes to be part of Canada’s most rabid fanbase.
Photos courtesy: Craig Baird
Over in Hamilton, it seems like Tiger-Cats fans love tiger-skin hats and dislike shirts. We’re guessing any gameday spent with their male fan involves some extreme tailgating and more than a few frosty beverages.
Photos courtesy: Craig Baird
The Alouettes fan base has a more regal look, with almost a Renaissance fair vibe. We can’t wait to see the male fan’s bizarre toque make an appearance on the team’s online shop.
Photos courtesy: Craig Baird
It seems the computer nailed the lumberjack aesthetic for the Redblacks’ male fan, complete with a Jon Gott-inspired beard. Meanwhile, their female fan looks like she is willing to maim anyone on the opposite side of the Northside-Southside rivalry.
Photos courtesy: Craig Baird
Elks fans may not have much to celebrate right now, but at least the computer thinks they are warm on gameday. Their male fan’s outdated snow gear and sepia overtones make him look like a still photograph from the team’s last home win.
Photos courtesy: Craig Baird
In Toronto, the reigning Grey Cup champions have inspired their female fan to dye her hair blue. Unfortunately, their male fan’s soccer jersey makes him look like a disgruntled TFC supporter angry that the Argos are ripping up the natural grass at BMO Field.
Photos courtesy: Craig Baird
The B.C. Lions’ orange and black colour scheme appears to have caused the software to mix up its felines, as the team’s female fan is rocking tiger stripe face paint. At least it accurately guessed the average age of the fanbase with an elderly male supporter.
Photos courtesy: Craig Baird
The stands in Calgary are suitably red, with a mandatory cowboy hat featured on both of the Stampeders’ fans. However, the male fan appears to be rocking an NFL jersey, a serious faux pas for any CFL diehard.
Photos courtesy: Craig Baird
Blue Bombers fans may be the most serious of the bunch, with their male fan fully face-painted beneath a blue and gold helm. Winnipeg’s female fan has gone in a different direction, seemingly inspired by the Mexican Dia de los Muertos.
Photos courtesy: Craig Baird
While that covered all nine franchises, many were surprised to see the iconic watermelon helmets absent from the Riders’ images. According to Baird, there was a reason for that, as the AI software struggled with that prompt and generated some truly horrific results.
Photos courtesy: Craig Baird
Watermelon ghouls aside, the project united the entire CFL fandom in their enjoyment. We look forward to any future CFL AI prompts Baird can dream up.
