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		<title>2026 CFL free agency: LIVE</title>
		<link>https://dev.3downnation.com/2026/02/10/2026-cfl-free-agency-live/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[3Down Staff]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Editor&#8217;s note: this page does not automatically refresh. Please do so periodically. 9:35 a.m. EST — If you&#8217;re not already, be sure to follow our Instagram page. It&#8217;s growing fast and we&#8217;ve got slick graphics with all the latest news over there. 9:22 a.m. EST — Tre Ford recently told 3DownNation why he chose the Hamilton [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com/2026/02/10/2026-cfl-free-agency-live/">2026 CFL free agency: LIVE</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com">3DownNation</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>Editor&#8217;s note: this page does not automatically refresh. Please do so periodically.</em></p>
<p>9:35 a.m. EST — If you&#8217;re not already, be sure to follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/3downnation/">our Instagram page</a>. It&#8217;s growing fast and we&#8217;ve got slick graphics with all the latest news over there.</p>
<p>9:22 a.m. EST — <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/04/canadian-quarterback-tre-ford-chose-hamilton-tiger-cats-over-b-c-lions-montreal-alouettes/">Tre Ford recently told <em>3DownNation </em>why he chose the Hamilton Tiger-Cats</a> after being released by the Edmonton Elks. Check out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMcv6K3vd6Y">the full podcast episode here</a>.</p>
<p>9:05 a.m. EST — Justin Dunk, John Hodge, and JC Abbott analyzed all the CFL&#8217;s reported signings and more on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHs243F63Fg">the latest edition of the <em>3DownNation Podcast</em></a>. Check out the episode <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHs243F63Fg">here</a> and don&#8217;t forget to subscribe on your favourite podcast provider.</p>
<p>8:44 a.m. EST — Many of <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/01/31/2026-cfl-free-agent-rankings-top-50/"><em>3DownNation</em><em>&#8216;</em>s top 50 pending free agents</a> still do not have agreements for 2026, including Kurleigh Gittens Jr., Dominique Rhymes, McLeod Bethel-Thompson, Jovan Santos-Knox, Anthony Lanier II, Joshua Coker, William Stanback, Sean McEwen, Dalton Schoen, Lorenzo Mauldin IV, and C.J. Avery.</p>
<p>8:23 a.m. EST — Follow our news breakers <a href="https://x.com/JDunk12">Justin Dunk</a>, <a href="https://x.com/johndhodge">John Hodge</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/thejcabbott?lang=en">JC Abbott</a> on Twitter/X and Bluesky so you don&#8217;t miss anything all day long.</p>
<p>8:03 a.m. EST — It&#8217;s time for the first coffee of the day. Never underestimate the importance of coffee during CFL free agency.</p>
<p>8:00 a.m. EST — Pending free agents were able to negotiate with teams across the CFL during the &#8220;legal tampering&#8221; window from February 1 to 8. Many agreements were reached during this time, though they can&#8217;t become official until free agency opens on Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. EST.</p>
<p>Offensive players with agreements in place include <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/01/ottawa-redblacks-agree-to-terms-with-former-riders-qb-jake-maier-sources/">Jake Maier</a> (Ottawa), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/01/edmonton-elks-agree-to-terms-with-quarterback-taylor-powell-sources/">Taylor Powell</a> (Edmonton), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/01/montreal-alouettes-agree-to-terms-with-dual-threat-qb-dustin-crum-sources/">Dustin Crum</a> (Montreal), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/01/ottawa-redblacks-agree-to-terms-with-all-cfl-running-back-greg-bell/">Greg Bell</a> (Ottawa), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/02/calgary-stampeders-agree-to-terms-with-2024-grey-cup-most-valuable-canadian-dejon-brissett/">Dejon Brissett</a> (Calgary), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/01/edmonton-elks-agree-to-terms-with-former-riders-receiver-joe-robustelli-sources/">Joe Robustelli</a> (Edmonton), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/01/winnipeg-blue-bombers-agree-to-terms-with-west-final-hero-tommy-nield-sources/">Tommy Nield</a> (Winnipeg), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/01/promising-b-c-receiver-ayden-eberhardt-agrees-to-terms-with-ottawa-redblacks/">Ayden Eberhardt</a> (Ottawa), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/01/montreal-alouettes-agree-to-terms-with-jerreth-sterns-sources/">Jerreth Sterns</a> (Montreal), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/03/edmonton-elks-agree-to-terms-with-brendan-oleary-orange-sources/">Brendan O&#8217;Leary-Orange</a> (Edmonton), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/03/hamilton-tiger-cats-agree-to-terms-with-dundas-native-tyson-middlemost-sources/">Tyson Middlemost</a> (Hamilton), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/01/winnipeg-blue-bombers-agree-to-terms-with-all-cfl-blocker-jarell-broxton-sources/">Jarell Broxton</a> (Winnipeg), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/01/edmonton-elks-agree-to-terms-with-canadian-offensive-lineman-coulter-woodmansey-sources/">Coulter Woodmansey</a> (Edmonton), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/01/former-ticats-offensive-tackle-jordan-murray-agrees-to-terms-with-edmonton-elks/">Jordan Murray</a> (Edmonton), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/01/edmonton-elks-agree-to-terms-with-former-ticats-ol-brendan-bordner/">Brendan Bordner</a> (Edmonton), and <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/01/hamilton-tiger-cats-agree-to-terms-with-veteran-offensive-tackle-eric-lofton/">Eric Lofton</a> (Hamilton).</p>
<p>Defensive players with agreements in place include <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/02/ottawa-redblacks-agree-to-terms-with-veteran-dl-dylan-wynn-sources/">Dylan Wynn</a> (Ottawa), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/01/edmonton-elks-agree-to-terms-with-former-riders-defensive-lineman-malik-carney-sources/">Malik Carney</a> (Edmonton), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/01/ottawa-redblacks-agree-to-terms-with-former-riders-defensive-lineman-habakkuk-baldonado-sources/">Habakkuk Baldonado</a> (Ottawa), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/01/james-vaughters-agrees-to-terms-with-saskatchewan-roughriders-sources/">James Vaughters</a> (Saskatchewan), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/01/toronto-argonauts-agree-to-terms-with-canadian-pass-rusher-jonathan-kongbo/">Jonathan Kongbo</a> (Toronto), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/03/hamilton-tiger-cats-agree-to-terms-with-canadian-pass-rusher-kene-onyeka-sources/">Kene Onyeka</a> (Hamilton), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/01/ottawa-redblacks-agree-to-terms-with-canadian-linebacker-a-j-allen-sources/">A.J. Allen</a> (Ottawa), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/01/ottawa-redblacks-agree-to-terms-with-special-teams-standout-brian-cole-ii/">Brian Cole II</a> (Ottawa), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/02/ottawa-redblacks-agree-to-terms-with-canadian-linebacker-michael-brodrique-sources/">Michael Brodrique</a> (Ottawa), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/01/ottawa-redblacks-agree-to-terms-with-all-cfl-strong-side-linebacker-c-j-reavis-sources/">C.J. Reavis</a> (Ottawa), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/01/winnipeg-blue-bombers-agree-to-terms-with-jonathan-moxey-sources/">Jonathan Moxey</a> (Winnipeg), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/01/dashaun-amos-agrees-to-terms-with-toronto-argonauts-sources/">DaShaun Amos</a> (Toronto), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/01/former-all-cfl-cornerback-demerio-houston-agrees-to-terms-with-b-c-lions/">Demerio Houston</a> (Ottawa), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/01/calgary-stampeders-agree-to-terms-with-devodyric-bynum-sources/">Devodric Bynum</a> (Calgary), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/01/ottawa-redblacks-agree-to-terms-with-canadian-db-scott-hutter-sources/">Scott Hutter</a> (Ottawa), and <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/01/veteran-db-robert-priester-agrees-to-terms-on-return-to-toronto-argonauts/">Robert Priester</a> (Toronto).</p>
<p>Some players entered free agency earlier and have already officially signed with new teams. These include <a href="https://3downnation.com/2025/12/19/b-c-lions-sign-three-time-cfl-all-star-lb-darnell-sankey/">Darnell Sankey</a> (B.C.), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/01/13/hamilton-tiger-cats-sign-chris-kolankowski-following-release-from-blue-bombers/">Chris Kolankowski</a> (Hamilton), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/01/08/hamilton-tiger-cats-release-all-east-division-defender-casey-sayles/">Casey Sayles</a> (B.C.), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/01/16/toronto-argonauts-sign-adarius-pickett-following-release-from-redblacks/">Adarius Pickett</a> (Toronto), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/01/15/winnipeg-blue-bombers-cut-peyton-logan-ahead-of-offseason-bonus/">Peyton Logan</a> (Toronto), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/01/19/toronto-argonauts-sign-recently-released-veterans-dewayne-hendrix-peyton-logan/">DeWayne Hendrix</a> (Toronto), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/01/27/toronto-argonauts-sign-former-riders-first-round-cfl-draft-pick-dakoda-shepley-after-long-nfl-stint-sources/">Dakoda Shepley</a> (Toronto), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/01/28/tim-white-signs-with-winnipeg-blue-bombers-after-release-from-hamilton/">Tim White</a> (Winnipeg), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/01/29/edmonton-elks-sign-receiver-austin-mack-after-release-from-montreal-alouettes-sources/">Austin Mack</a> (Edmonton), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/01/30/montreal-alouettes-sign-returner-devonte-dedmon-following-release-by-redblacks/">DeVonte Dedmon</a> (Montreal), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/04/canadian-quarterback-tre-ford-chose-hamilton-tiger-cats-over-b-c-lions-montreal-alouettes/">Tre Ford</a> (Hamilton), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/02/calgary-stampeders-sign-rb-deonta-mcmahon-after-release-from-toronto-argonauts/">Deonta McMahon</a> (Calgary), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/06/edmonton-elks-transfer-jake-ceresnas-playing-rights-winnipeg-blue-bombers-make-contract-official/">Jake Ceresna</a> (Winnipeg), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/04/former-b-c-linebacker-josh-woods-signs-with-saskatchewan-roughriders/">Josh Woods</a> (Saskatchewan), <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/04/hamilton-tiger-cats-sign-three-time-grey-cup-champion-lb-wynton-mcmanis-sources/">Wynton McManis</a> (Hamilton), and <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/03/official-saskatchewan-roughriders-sign-returner-james-letcher-jr/">James Letcher Jr.</a> (Saskatchewan).</p>
<p><strong>Welcome to the <em>3DownNation</em> 2026 CFL free agency live blog!</strong></p>
<p>We will be around all day to provide the latest news, insight, analysis, and rumours surrounding CFL free agency. We’ve done many live blogs in the past and we’re excited you’ve chosen to join us for this year’s edition. There’s lots of fun to be had over the day, so let’s get rocking.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com/2026/02/10/2026-cfl-free-agency-live/">2026 CFL free agency: LIVE</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com">3DownNation</a>.</p>
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		<title>CFL unveils Ted Goveia Football Operations Award, new event at CFL Combine</title>
		<link>https://dev.3downnation.com/2026/02/09/cfl-unveils-ted-goveia-football-operations-award-new-event-at-cfl-combine/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[3Down Staff]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 18:09:56 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://3downnation.com/?p=200717</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Canadian Football League has created the Ted Goveia Football Operations Award in memory of the late Hamilton Tiger-Cats general manager. The honour will recognize club football operations personnel for outstanding achievement in scouting, player identification, roster building, and leadership. Goveia passed away in September at the age of 55 following a battle with cancer. [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com/2026/02/09/cfl-unveils-ted-goveia-football-operations-award-new-event-at-cfl-combine/">CFL unveils Ted Goveia Football Operations Award, new event at CFL Combine</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com">3DownNation</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Canadian Football League has created the Ted Goveia Football Operations Award in memory of the late Hamilton Tiger-Cats general manager.</p>
<p>The honour will recognize club football operations personnel for outstanding achievement in scouting, player identification, roster building, and leadership. Goveia passed away in September at the age of 55 following a battle with cancer. The native of Burlington, Ont. won three Grey Cups with the Toronto Argonauts and Winnipeg Blue Bombers prior to being hired by the Tiger-Cats in 2025.</p>
<p>The award will be presented at a new annual event called the Coach of the Year Celebration. The inaugural proceeding will take place at The Westin Edmonton on March 25 and serve as a fundraiser for Football Alberta. A silent auction will be held with all proceeds going to support local amateur football programming and initiatives.</p>
<p>The event will also unveil the CFL&#8217;s Coach of the Year for 2025, which is between finalist Corey Mace of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Jason Maas of the Montreal Alouettes. 53 members of the Football Reporters of Canada (FRC) voted for the winner in November, though the results have yet to be unveiled.</p>
<p>The Hugh Campbell Distinguished Leadership Award will also be presented. Created in 2006, the award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated great leadership in making significant contributions to the game. Past winners include Campbell, Wally Buono, Normie Kwong, Bob Ackles, Rick LeLacheur, and John Hufnagel.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com/2026/02/09/cfl-unveils-ted-goveia-football-operations-award-new-event-at-cfl-combine/">CFL unveils Ted Goveia Football Operations Award, new event at CFL Combine</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com">3DownNation</a>.</p>
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		<title>Montreal Alouettes sign former NFL QB Anthony Brown, two others</title>
		<link>https://dev.3downnation.com/2026/02/09/montreal-alouettes-sign-former-nfl-qb-anthony-brown-two-others/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[3Down Staff]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 18:08:58 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://3downnation.com/?p=200725</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Montreal Alouettes have signed former NFL quarterback Anthony Brown to a two-year contract, tying him to the team through 2027. The 27-year-old originally signed with the Baltimore Ravens after going unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft. He played two regular-season games as a rookie and made one start, completing 44.9 percent of his passes [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com/2026/02/09/montreal-alouettes-sign-former-nfl-qb-anthony-brown-two-others/">Montreal Alouettes sign former NFL QB Anthony Brown, two others</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com">3DownNation</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Montreal Alouettes have signed former NFL quarterback Anthony Brown to a two-year contract, tying him to the team through 2027.</p>
<p>The 27-year-old originally signed with the Baltimore Ravens after going unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft. He played two regular-season games as a rookie and made one start, completing 44.9 percent of his passes for 302 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception. Brown was also sacked five times and lost one fumble.</p>
<p>The six-foot-one, 217-pound passer had a brief stint on Baltimore&#8217;s practice roster in 2023 but was otherwise out of the NFL. He spent 2024 with the Las Vegas Raiders, Buffalo Bills, and Arizona Cardinals, though he didn&#8217;t see any regular-season action with those teams.</p>
<p>The native of Aberdeen Township, N.J. signed with the Houston Roughnecks of the United Football League (UFL) in 2025 and made three starts, completing 48.2 percent of his passes for 241 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. He also rushed for 61 yards.</p>
<p>Brown was a collegiate standout over six seasons at Boston College and the University of Oregon, completing 58.4 percent of his passes for 7,891 yards, 61 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions. He also ran 287 times for 1,121 yards and 15 scores.</p>
<p>The Alouettes have also signed American quarterback Dresser Winn and American linebacker Donovan Manuel to two-year contracts.</p>
<p>Winn played for the Memphis Showboats of the UFL earlier this year and completed 58.0 percent of his passes for 834 yards, three touchdowns, and four interceptions. He also rushed 13 times for 52 yards and one score.</p>
<p>The native of Dresden, Tenn. has since been a member of the Los Angeles Rams, though he was released by the team prior to the end of training camp in August.</p>
<p>The 26-year-old had his first of three stints with the Rams in 2023 after he went undrafted. He rejoined the team later that year following a stint on the practice roster with the Edmonton Elks, though he&#8217;s yet to dress for a regular-season NFL game.</p>
<p>The six-foot-three, 212-pound passer played collegiately the University of Tennessee at Martin where he was named second-team All-Conference in 2022. He threw for 5,800 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 24 touchdowns and ran for an additional nine scores.</p>
<p>Manuel played collegiately at Florida International University where he was named second-team All-Conference USA in 2023 after making 121 total tackles and 15.5 tackles for loss. The 26-year-old started his collegiate career at East Tennessee State, where he was named a third-team All-American in 2021.</p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Montreal Alouettes finished second in the East Division standings in 2025 with a 10-8 record and beat the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the East Final before losing the 112th Grey Cup to the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Davis Alexander went 7-0 as a starter during the regular-season, though he missed 11 games due to a hamstring injury.</span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Alouettes ranked eighth in net offence, first in net defence, and third with a turnover differential of plus-eight. The club’s leading rusher was Stevie Scott III with 418 yards, leading receiver was Tyler Snead with 1,129 yards, and leading tackler was Darnell Sankey with 103 tackles. Montreal finished sixth in attendance with average crowds of 21,132, which was a 0.8 percent decrease from the previous year.</span></em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com/2026/02/09/montreal-alouettes-sign-former-nfl-qb-anthony-brown-two-others/">Montreal Alouettes sign former NFL QB Anthony Brown, two others</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com">3DownNation</a>.</p>
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		<title>U Sports standout Luka Stoikos pleased with pivot from CFL to Olympic bobsleigh</title>
		<link>https://dev.3downnation.com/2026/02/09/u-sports-standout-luka-stoikos-pleased-with-pivot-from-cfl-to-olympic-bobsleigh/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[3Down Staff]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 18:00:41 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[3Down]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[U Sports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[3DownNation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[b.c. lions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bobsleigh]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Canadian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CFL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[football]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Luka Stoikos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Olympics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Toronto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[University]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://3downnation.com/?p=200715</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Luka Stoikos was busy preparing for last year&#8217;s CFL Invitational Combine when he decided to also perform for Olympic scouts. Eight months later, he&#8217;s in Italy to represent Canada in the bobsleigh. &#8220;RBC Training Ground came to (the University of Toronto last spring) and I was like, &#8216;I&#8217;ve already trained for the (CFL) Combine, I [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com/2026/02/09/u-sports-standout-luka-stoikos-pleased-with-pivot-from-cfl-to-olympic-bobsleigh/">U Sports standout Luka Stoikos pleased with pivot from CFL to Olympic bobsleigh</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com">3DownNation</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Luka Stoikos was busy preparing for last year&#8217;s CFL Invitational Combine when he decided to also perform for Olympic scouts. Eight months later, he&#8217;s in Italy to represent Canada in the bobsleigh.</p>
<p>&#8220;RBC Training Ground came to (the University of Toronto last spring) and I was like, &#8216;I&#8217;ve already trained for the (CFL) Combine, I might as well just do another one,'&#8221; <a href="https://varsityblues.ca/news/2026/2/9/football-built-for-speed-how-luka-stoikos-turned-a-career-setback-into-a-team-canada-opportunity-in-just-eight-months.aspx">Stoikos told his alma mater</a>. &#8220;I was like, &#8216;Listen, I&#8217;m still trying to get drafted to the CFL here. If for whatever reason that doesn&#8217;t work out, I&#8217;ll give you a call.'&#8221;</p>
<p>The five-foot-ten, 230-pound ball-carrier rushed 111 times for 601 yards and six touchdowns over 29 games with the Varsity Blues. He was also effective on special teams, returning 59 kickoffs for 1,291 yards and three scores, earning a second-team OUA all-star selection in 2022.</p>
<p>When it comes to football, the Varsity Blues are hardly a U Sports powerhouse. The team hasn&#8217;t posted a winning record this century and only two University of Toronto alumni &#8212; Saskatchewan fullback Albert Awachie and Winnipeg defensive back Nick Hallett &#8212; are under contract in the CFL.</p>
<p>Stoikos ended up being one of the top performers at the CFL Invitational Combine in Waterloo, Ont. last year, running a 4.59-second forty-yard dash, performing 27 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, and leaping 33 inches in the vertical jump. Despite the impressive testing numbers, he was the No. 67 overall pick in the 2025 CFL Draft, an event that only had 72 selections.</p>
<p>The 22-year-old attended training camp with the B.C. Lions but was held off the stat sheet in the team&#8217;s first preseason game. He was then released on May 29, one day before B.C.&#8217;s final preseason game against the Edmonton Elks. It didn&#8217;t take him long after that to commit to bobsleigh.</p>
<p>&#8220;The night I got cut (by the Lions), the first phone call I made was to my parents,&#8221; said Stoikos. &#8220;The second one I made was to my contact at Bobsleigh Canada. I said, &#8216;Hey, when do I start?'&#8221;</p>
<p>The Toronto native also competed in track and field at the U Sports level, ranking fifth in the weight throw and eighth in shot put at the OUA Championships in 2024. His<span style="font-family: Verdana, BlinkMacSystemFont, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> father, Boris, was an All-American hammer-thrower at the University of Georgia, while his uncle, John, was a hammer-thrower at the University of South Carolina. Both men also competed in the Commonwealth Games.</span></p>
<p>Stoikos started his bobsleigh training in Calgary by pushing a frame sled. Eventually, training moved to Whistler, B.C., which saw him get more practical experience.</p>
<p>&#8220;They brought us to Whistler to actually go down the track for the first time,&#8221; he said with a laugh. &#8220;It&#8217;d probably be equivalent to being in a bathtub and then being put into the clothes dryer and then going down a mountain.&#8221;</p>
<p>After competing at the World Cup in Altenberg, Germany in January, Stoikos was officially named to the Olympic team.</p>
<p>Stoikos is <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/01/23/ticats-receiver-keaton-bruggeling-three-former-cfl-players-named-to-canadian-olympic-bobsleigh-team/">one of many athletes with CFL connections competing in the bobsleigh at this year&#8217;s Olympics</a> in Milan and Cortina. Keaton Bruggeling, an active receiver for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, is competing along with former defensive back Jay Dearborn and former running back Shaq Murray-Lawrence. Dearborn and Murray-Lawrence will compete in the two-man events in addition to the four-man events.</p>
<p>As per a spokesperson, Stoikos will be part of the four-man bobsleigh headed by Dearborn. Bruggeling and Murray-Lawrence will be part of Canada&#8217;s other four-man bobsleigh.</p>
<p>Jesse Lumsden, a longtime CFL running back whose father, Neil, is in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame, is the high-performance director for Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton. The native of Edmonton, Alta. is in Italy to accompany the team after previously competing in the 2010, 2014, and 2018 Olympics.</p>
<p>&#8220;Canada gave my family so much when they moved here,&#8221; said Stoikos. &#8220;For me to be able to give back and represent that country is honestly a blessing.&#8221;</p>
<p>Team Canada has won 10 Olympic bobsleigh medals since 1964, including five golds, two silver and three bronze. This year&#8217;s bobsleigh events will begin on February 12 with official training, then the heats begin on February 15. The four-man heats don&#8217;t start until February 21 with medals being awarded on February 22.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com/2026/02/09/u-sports-standout-luka-stoikos-pleased-with-pivot-from-cfl-to-olympic-bobsleigh/">U Sports standout Luka Stoikos pleased with pivot from CFL to Olympic bobsleigh</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com">3DownNation</a>.</p>
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		<title>Jonathan Sutherland believes he can play multiple positions with Montreal Alouettes</title>
		<link>https://dev.3downnation.com/2026/02/09/jonathan-sutherland-believes-he-can-play-multiple-positions-with-montreal-alouettes/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[3Down Staff]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 13:00:37 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[3Down]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Montreal Alouettes]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Alouettes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Als]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Canadian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CFL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Defence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Defensive]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[football]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jonathan Sutherland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Montreal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Penn State]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://3downnation.com/?p=200399</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Canadian defender Jonathan Sutherland isn&#8217;t sure exactly where he&#8217;s going to play with the Montreal Alouettes, though he plans on being able to fill several different spots. &#8220;I pride myself on being versatile, being able to be flexible within the defence, playing wherever they need me in multiple positions,&#8221; Sutherland recently told the media. &#8220;I&#8217;d [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com/2026/02/09/jonathan-sutherland-believes-he-can-play-multiple-positions-with-montreal-alouettes/">Jonathan Sutherland believes he can play multiple positions with Montreal Alouettes</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com">3DownNation</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Canadian defender Jonathan Sutherland isn&#8217;t sure exactly where he&#8217;s going to play with the Montreal Alouettes, though he plans on being able to fill several different spots.</p>
<p>&#8220;I pride myself on being versatile, being able to be flexible within the defence, playing wherever they need me in multiple positions,&#8221; <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPtlBWAu28U">Sutherland recently told the media</a>.</p>
<p>&#8220;I&#8217;d like to go into it with an open eye and just get to sit down and talk with the coaches. Obviously, it&#8217;s a new game, so just to see schematically what makes sense. I know I&#8217;m capable of playing wherever they need me to.&#8221;</p>
<p>The five-foot-eleven, 202-pound defender <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/01/22/montreal-alouettes-to-sign-first-round-cfl-draft-pick-jonathan-sutherland-sources/">recently signed a three-year contract with the Alouettes</a> following a three-year stint in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks, New York Giants, and Las Vegas Raiders. He never saw any regular-season action down south, though his tenure was marred by injury.</p>
<p>Montreal had one of the CFL&#8217;s top defences in 2025 and Sutherland could be a natural fit at safety or strong-side linebacker. Marc-Antoine Dequoy, the team&#8217;s incumbent starter at safety, <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/03/toll-on-body-not-contract-dispute-led-marc-antoine-dequoy-to-retire-from-cfl/">recently retired</a>, while Najee Murray, the team&#8217;s longtime strong-side linebacker, signed an extension for 2026 back in December.</p>
<p>Though he played mostly defensive back during his six-year collegiate career at Penn State University, Sutherland is roughly the same size as longtime Alouettes weak-side linebacker Tyrice Beverette. The six-year veteran is one of the best defensive players in the league &#8212; he earned All-CFL honours for a second-straight season in 2025 &#8212; but it&#8217;s not impossible to think Sutherland could replace him if he misses time due to injury.</p>
<p>Like most rookie CFL players, it stands to reason Sutherland will also be asked to play special teams as well, something he seems excited about.</p>
<p>&#8220;I like to pride myself on just playing fast, being decisive,&#8221; said Sutherland. &#8220;Playing physical with an edge and trying to get the ball back to the offence.&#8221;</p>
<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve always taken pride in special teams, whether it was from high school, college, to playing in the league. I&#8217;m just trying to do whatever I can to help this team win, so whatever the coaches feel like, whatever position that&#8217;s going to best-suit the team, I&#8217;m all for it. Special teams? I love special teams.&#8221;</p>
<p>Sutherland was selected by the Alouettes in the first round of the 2023 CFL Draft and has kept close tabs on the team ever since. Des Holmes, his collegiate teammate with the Nittany Lions, spent the 2025 season as a reserve offensive lineman in Montreal and was able to provide Sutherland with updates from the inside.</p>
<p>Danny Maciocia, the team&#8217;s general manager, also remained in close contact with Sutherland throughout his tenure in the NFL.</p>
<p>&#8220;Danny and I have always been in constant communication ever since he drafted me, that if things don&#8217;t transpire and things don&#8217;t work out in the NFL, that I&#8217;d always have a home to come back to and play,&#8221; said Sutherland. &#8220;After much thought and prayer and consulting with my family, I just felt like it was the best decision for me to make right now at this point in my career.&#8221;</p>
<p>Though born in Ottawa, Ont., Sutherland has close ties to Montreal. His mother was born in the city, which is still home to plenty of his extended family. It seems like a perfect fit not only for Sutherland but also the Alouettes.</p>
<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve been playing this game since I was eight years old and it&#8217;s blessed me a lot. I&#8217;m very grateful to be able to play still and I&#8217;m just excited to get out there,&#8221; said Sutherland. &#8220;I<span style="font-family: Verdana, BlinkMacSystemFont, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">t&#8217;s great to come back and play in my home country and just to play football again, so I&#8217;m really appreciative and I&#8217;m really excited to get the ball rolling.&#8221;</span></p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Montreal Alouettes finished second in the East Division standings in 2025 with a 10-8 record and beat the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the East Final before losing the 112th Grey Cup to the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Davis Alexander went 7-0 as a starter during the regular-season, though he missed 11 games due to a hamstring injury.</span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Alouettes ranked eighth in net offence, first in net defence, and third with a turnover differential of plus-eight. The club’s leading rusher was Stevie Scott III with 418 yards, leading receiver was Tyler Snead with 1,129 yards, and leading tackler was Darnell Sankey with 103 tackles. Montreal finished sixth in attendance with average crowds of 21,132, which was a 0.8 percent decrease from the previous year.</span></em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com/2026/02/09/jonathan-sutherland-believes-he-can-play-multiple-positions-with-montreal-alouettes/">Jonathan Sutherland believes he can play multiple positions with Montreal Alouettes</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com">3DownNation</a>.</p>
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		<title>Winnipeg Blue Bombers sign Appalachian State standout Michael Fletcher, one other</title>
		<link>https://dev.3downnation.com/2026/02/09/winnipeg-blue-bombers-sign-appalachian-state-standout-michael-fletcher-one-other/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[3Down Staff]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 10:00:55 +0000</pubDate>
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		<category><![CDATA[Aaron Smith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Appalachian State]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Blue Bombers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bombers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Canadian]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[football]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michael Fletcher]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new York Jets]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Winnipeg]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://3downnation.com/?p=200713</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed American defensive lineman Michael Fletcher and American linebacker Aaron Smith. Fletcher finished his collegiate career with two seasons at Appalachian State University where he made 40 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, nine sacks, two fumble recoveries, one pass knockdown, and one forced fumble. The six-foot-six, 275-pound native of [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com/2026/02/09/winnipeg-blue-bombers-sign-appalachian-state-standout-michael-fletcher-one-other/">Winnipeg Blue Bombers sign Appalachian State standout Michael Fletcher, one other</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com">3DownNation</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed <span lang="EN-US" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">American defensive lineman Michael Fletcher and American linebacker Aaron Smith.</span></p>
<p>Fletcher finished his collegiate career with two seasons at Appalachian State University where he made 40 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, nine sacks, two fumble recoveries, one pass knockdown, and one forced fumble.</p>
<p>The six-foot-six, 275-pound native of Flint, Mich. started his collegiate career at Michigan State University, making 31 total tackles and three sacks over 21 games.</p>
<p>The 24-year-old attended training camp with the New York Jets in 2025 and made two tackles, one pass knockdown, and one quarterback hit during the preseason, though he was released upon its conclusion.</p>
<p>Smith also attended training camp with the Jets in 2025, though he also didn&#8217;t make the final roster. He played three preseason games, recording four tackles, one pass knockdown, and one quarterback hit.</p>
<p>The six-foot-two, 230-pound native of Manning, S.C. played collegiately at South Carolina State University, where he made 241 total tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, two pass breakups, two interceptions, and one forced fumble.</p>
<p>The 23-year-old was named first-team All-Conference in 2024 and participated in the East-West Shrine Bowl earlier this year.</p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Winnipeg Blue Bombers finished fourth in the West Division standings in 2025 with a 10-8 record, qualifying for the playoffs as the crossover team before losing the East Semi-Final to the Montreal Alouettes. Zach Collaros threw for 3,048 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions over 13 regular-season games, going 6-7 as a starter.</span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Blue Bombers ranked fifth in net offence, third in net defence, and eighth with a turnover differential of minus-eleven. The club’s leading rusher was Brady Oliveira with 1,163 yards, leading receiver was Nic Demski with 1,001 yards, and leading tackler was Tony Jones with 104 tackles. Winnipeg ranked first in attendance with average crowds of 32,343, which was a 3.7 percent increase from the previous year.</span></em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com/2026/02/09/winnipeg-blue-bombers-sign-appalachian-state-standout-michael-fletcher-one-other/">Winnipeg Blue Bombers sign Appalachian State standout Michael Fletcher, one other</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com">3DownNation</a>.</p>
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		<title>Toronto Argonauts sign Oklahoma State standout Trey Rucker</title>
		<link>https://dev.3downnation.com/2026/02/09/toronto-argonauts-sign-oklahoma-state-standout-trey-rucker/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[3Down Staff]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 08:00:33 +0000</pubDate>
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		<category><![CDATA[Solomon Davis]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://3downnation.com/?p=200728</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Toronto Argonauts have signed American receiver Solomon Davis and American defensive back Trey Rucker. Davis played 12 games at Central Michigan in 2024, recording 19 catches for 350 yards and three touchdowns. The six-foot-one, 205-pound native of Brighton, Tenn. started his collegiate career at Valparaiso University, an FCS program located in Indiana, where he [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com/2026/02/09/toronto-argonauts-sign-oklahoma-state-standout-trey-rucker/">Toronto Argonauts sign Oklahoma State standout Trey Rucker</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com">3DownNation</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Toronto Argonauts have signed American receiver Solomon Davis and American defensive back Trey Rucker.</p>
<p>Davis played 12 games at Central Michigan in 2024, recording 19 catches for 350 yards and three touchdowns. The six-foot-one, 205-pound native of Brighton, Tenn. started his collegiate career at Valparaiso University, an FCS program located in Indiana, where he made 94 receptions for 1,415 yards and 10 touchdowns across 34 games.</p>
<p>Rucker spent four collegiate seasons at Oklahoma State where he made 197 tackles, four interceptions, seven pass deflections, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble over 39 games. The 25-year-old started his collegiate career at Wake Forest where he played 18 games for the Demon Deacons.</p>
<p>The six-foot, 203-pound native of Waldorf, Md. had a brief stint with the Washington Commanders after going unselected in the 2025 NFL Draft, though he didn&#8217;t see any regular-season action with the team.</p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Toronto Argonauts finished third in the East Division standings in 2025 with a 5-13 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Franchise quarterback Chad Kelly was unable to play all season due to a fractured leg he suffered in the East Final the previous year, giving way to Nick Arbuckle, who threw for 4,370 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions to be named the team’s candidate for Most Outstanding Player.</span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Argonauts ranked seventh in net offence, sixth in net defence, and seventh with a turnover differential of minus-eight. The club’s leading rusher was Spencer Brown with 314 yards, leading receiver was Dejon Brissett with 907 yards, and leading tackler was Cameron Judge with 79 tackles. Toronto ranked ninth in attendance with average crowds of 15,109, which was a 0.1 percent decrease from the previous year.</span></em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com/2026/02/09/toronto-argonauts-sign-oklahoma-state-standout-trey-rucker/">Toronto Argonauts sign Oklahoma State standout Trey Rucker</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com">3DownNation</a>.</p>
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		<title>Bad Bunny gives Canada shout-out during Super Bowl LX halftime show</title>
		<link>https://dev.3downnation.com/2026/02/08/bad-bunny-gives-canada-shout-out-during-super-bowl-lx-half-time-show/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[3Down Staff]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 02:17:21 +0000</pubDate>
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		<category><![CDATA[Super Bowl LX]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://3downnation.com/?p=200708</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Canada got an unexpected shoutout during Super Bowl LX from halftime show performer Bad Bunny. The six-time Grammy Award winner ended his Spanish-language performance at Levi&#8217;s Stadium with a message of unity. Walking towards the camera with a number of flagbearers behind him, including one carrying the maple leaf, he said the famous line &#8220;God [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com/2026/02/08/bad-bunny-gives-canada-shout-out-during-super-bowl-lx-half-time-show/">Bad Bunny gives Canada shout-out during Super Bowl LX halftime show</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com">3DownNation</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Canada got an unexpected shoutout during Super Bowl LX from halftime show performer Bad Bunny.</p>
<p>The six-time Grammy Award winner ended his Spanish-language performance at Levi&#8217;s Stadium with a message of unity. Walking towards the camera with a number of flagbearers behind him, including one carrying the maple leaf, he said the famous line &#8220;God Bless America,&#8221; before listing all the countries of South, Central and North America.</p>
<p>The 31-year-old recording artist notably finished with Canada, placing the Great White North after the United States and behind only his home territory of Puerto Rico. He ended by holding out a football with the text &#8220;Together We Are America&#8221; written on its face. Behind him, a billboard read &#8220;The only thing more powerful than hate is love.&#8221;</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">&#8220;The Only Thing More Powerful Than Hate is Love.&#8221;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AppleMusicHalftime?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AppleMusicHalftime</a> <a href="https://t.co/cFkaTBO2HP">pic.twitter.com/cFkaTBO2HP</a></p>
<p>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/2020673975483826182?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Bad Bunny has been a vocal opponent of the United States&#8217; policies under President Donald Trump, speaking out against the recent actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The prominent positioning of Canada in his final message could be interpreted as an acknowledgement of recent political tensions between the two nations in light of Trump&#8217;s economic tariffs and 51st state comments.</p>
<p>The native of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, is a Global musical sensation who has been named Spotify&#8217;s most-streamed artist of the year on four occasions. His recent album <i>Debí Tirar Más Fotos</i> became the first Spanish-language album to win the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.</p>
<p>The Seattle Seahawks beat the New England Patriots 29-13 to win the team&#8217;s second Vince Lombardi Trophy. No Canadian players participated in the NFL championship game.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com/2026/02/08/bad-bunny-gives-canada-shout-out-during-super-bowl-lx-half-time-show/">Bad Bunny gives Canada shout-out during Super Bowl LX halftime show</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com">3DownNation</a>.</p>
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		<title>Grey Cup winner, Super Bowl champion Barry Wilburn killed in house fire</title>
		<link>https://dev.3downnation.com/2026/02/08/grey-cup-winner-super-bowl-champion-barry-wilburn-killed-in-house-fire/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[3Down Staff]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2026 19:18:11 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[B.C. Lions]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Barry Wilburn]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://3downnation.com/?p=200706</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Former NFL and CFL defensive back Barry Wilburn was tragically killed in a house fire in Tennessee, according to multiple outlets. He was 62 years old. The Memphis Fire Department responded to a call in the Orange Mound neighbourhood at 2:00 a.m. local time on Friday, February 6. They found an unresponsive victim in the [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com/2026/02/08/grey-cup-winner-super-bowl-champion-barry-wilburn-killed-in-house-fire/">Grey Cup winner, Super Bowl champion Barry Wilburn killed in house fire</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com">3DownNation</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Former NFL and CFL defensive back Barry Wilburn was tragically killed in a house fire in Tennessee, <a href="https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/02/08/family-confirms-former-nfl-player-super-bowl-champion-died-orange-mound-house-fire/">according to multiple outlets</a>. He was 62 years old.</p>
<p>The Memphis Fire Department responded to a call in the Orange Mound neighbourhood at 2:00 a.m. local time on Friday, February 6. They found an unresponsive victim in the rear hallway who was pronounced dead at the scene. A representative of the Wilburn family later confirmed that the individual was Barry.</p>
<p>The cause of the fire is still under investigation.</p>
<p>Wilburn was originally selected in the eighth round of the 1985 NFL Draft by the Washington Football Team and rose to become a starting cornerback, earning NFL All-Pro honours after a nine-interception season in 1987. He capped that year with a start in Super Bowl XXII, picking off John Elway twice in a rout of the Denver Broncos.</p>
<p>The Ole Miss product saw his career derailed by a drug suspension in 1989, and he was out of football for two seasons before staging a comeback with the Cleveland Browns in 1992. When that was unsuccessful, he headed north and joined the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 1993, earning a CFL all-star selection in his first season.</p>
<p>Wilburn would be released following his first campaign in Saskatchewan and signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, though he was waived in training camp. He joined the B.C. Lions in September, where he contributed to the 1994 Grey Cup victory over the Baltimore Stallions. With the win, Wilburn became one of the few players in pro football history to win a championship in both the CFL and NFL.</p>
<p>The six-foot-two, 196-pound coverman returned to the NFL that offseason and spent two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. In 1999, he staged a brief CFL comeback with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and was also drafted by the Memphis Maniax in the inaugural XFL.</p>
<p>In 29 CFL games, Wilburn made 58 defensive tackles, two special teams tackles, and three interceptions. Across 91 NFL games, he was credited with 246 tackles and 20 interceptions, scoring one touchdown.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com/2026/02/08/grey-cup-winner-super-bowl-champion-barry-wilburn-killed-in-house-fire/">Grey Cup winner, Super Bowl champion Barry Wilburn killed in house fire</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com">3DownNation</a>.</p>
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		<title>Former Stampeders, Pro Bowl QB Jeff Garcia insists &#8216;not a lot that differentiates&#8217; CFL players from NFL</title>
		<link>https://dev.3downnation.com/2026/02/08/former-stampeders-pro-bowl-qb-jeff-garcia-insists-not-a-lot-that-differentiates-cfl-players-from-nfl/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[3Down Staff]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2026 13:00:58 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Calgary Stampeders]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Jeff Garcia]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://3downnation.com/?p=200698</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Jeff Garcia is on the short list of the most recognizable names ever to make the jump from the CFL to the NFL, but he believes more players are capable of doing so than many realize. &#8220;There&#8217;s not a lot that differentiates players that are in the CFL and players that are in the NFL. [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com/2026/02/08/former-stampeders-pro-bowl-qb-jeff-garcia-insists-not-a-lot-that-differentiates-cfl-players-from-nfl/">Former Stampeders, Pro Bowl QB Jeff Garcia insists &#8216;not a lot that differentiates&#8217; CFL players from NFL</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com">3DownNation</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Jeff Garcia is on the short list of the most recognizable names ever to make the jump from the CFL to the NFL, but he believes more players are capable of doing so than many realize.</p>
<p>&#8220;There&#8217;s not a lot that differentiates players that are in the CFL and players that are in the NFL. It&#8217;s really about the opportunity, and when the opportunity presents itself, being ready to strike,&#8221; Garcia <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiLy5KjfBJU">told Bob &#8216;The Moj&#8217; Marjanovich from Super Bowl LX radio row</a>.</p>
<p>&#8220;Now you may not get many of those, so you&#8217;d better be on top of it. But there&#8217;s also the political aspect of things, and how that changes the outlook. You could be better than a quarterback on this roster, but because they invested a draft pick into that guy, he&#8217;s gonna get every opportunity to fail, and you&#8217;re not gonna be given the chance just because they wasted a draft pick on him, which is their fault.&#8221;</p>
<p>Garcia spent five seasons in the CFL with the Calgary Stampeders from 1994 to 1998, beginning as <a href="https://3downnation.com/2026/02/07/theyre-trying-to-americanize-it-doug-flutie-doesnt-like-cfl-rule-changes/">the backup to fellow legend Doug Flutie</a> before stepping in due to injury in 1995 and officially taking over the top job in 1996. He was a four-time West Division all-star, while throwing for 16,442 yards, 111 touchdowns, and 52 interceptions. The Gilroy, Cal., native also rushed for 2,358 yards and 24 majors in his time north of the border.</p>
<p>The 55-year-old recalls being ready to put down roots in Calgary following the 1998 season, having already purchased a house and opened a restaurant in town. Instead, he got the opportunity to work out for five NFL teams &#8212; the Jacksonville Jaguars, St. Louis Rams, Oakland Raiders, Miami Dolphins, and San Francisco 49ers &#8212; and fielded contract offers from both the Fins and Niners. He would go on to sign with his childhood team in San Francisco, kicking off a 12-year tenure in the NFL.</p>
<p>While many CFL stars have signed deals in the league down south in the prime of their careers<a href="https://3downnation.com/2025/11/12/cfl-m-o-p-finalist-nathan-rourke-not-chasing-dollars-wont-pursue-nfl-again-without-meaningful-opportunity/"> only to be sent packing</a>, Garcia credits his success to having the right person advocating for him.</p>
<p>&#8220;The major reason for me signing with San Francisco was Bill Walsh. Bill Walsh was in my corner,&#8221; he explained, referencing the Hall of Fame coach who led the Niners to three Super Bowls.</p>
<p>&#8220;Bill Walsh, who was now a part of the management side, had come back from coaching at Stanford University and had watched me play against his Stanford team (with San Jose State). On that day, when I played against Bill and the Stanford Cardinal, he said I did some Joe Montana-like things, and that kid can play. I always remembered that, and so I struck up a relationship with Bill, and he tried to help me at different points of my years in the CFL, getting me opportunities with teams.&#8221;</p>
<p>While Walsh&#8217;s stamp of approval wasn&#8217;t without its added challenges, Garcia knows that it provided him with greater investment and opportunity than other recent CFL quarterbacks who have attempted to make the NFL jump, <a href="https://3downnation.com/2024/10/16/canadian-qb-nathan-rourke-felt-what-hed-done-in-cfl-was-not-valued-by-nfl/">like B.C.&#8217;s Nathan Rourke</a>.</p>
<p>&#8220;I really came into the 49ers, probably, at a prime time,&#8221; he admitted. &#8220;Now, I wasn&#8217;t (head coach Steve) Mariucci&#8217;s guy. Ty Detmer, who they had traded to Cleveland, was his guy. He had him in Green Bay when he had Favre and Brunell. He had a relationship with Ty Detmer, and when the Niners traded him to Cleveland or let him go, now, all of a sudden, I&#8217;m Bill Walsh&#8217;s guy. That kind of rubbed Mooch a little bit wrong at first, and I had to prove to Mooch that I was capable and that I belonged. But they had Steve Young at the time. They didn&#8217;t figure that they&#8217;d need Jeff Garcia anytime soon.&#8221;</p>
<p>That changed in a hurry when Young suffered a season-ending concussion in 1999 and retired that offseason. Garcia would take over as the starter and was selected to three straight Pro Bowls from 2000 to 2002 as San Francisco&#8217;s QB1.</p>
<p>The six-foot-one, 205-pound pivot left the Niners following the 2003 season and would go on to play for the Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Oakland Raiders, and Houston Texans, making one more Pro Bowl in 2007. In 125 career NFL games, he threw for 25,537 yards, 161 touchdowns, and 83 interceptions while rushing for 2,140 yards and 26 majors.</p>
<p>Even with all those accomplishments in the NFL, it is his final CFL game that still stands out as the defining moment of his career. Garcia left the three-down league on a high note, leading the Stampeders to a 26-24 victory over Hamilton in the 86th Grey Cup while being named the game&#8217;s MVP.</p>
<p>&#8220;I think the Grey Cup title is right there at the top,&#8221; Garcia said. &#8220;Anytime you compete in a team sport, and you accomplish a goal that you set out to accomplish, that you had your eyes set upon at the beginning of the year, and you&#8217;re able to carry that on through to fruition, to accomplish that is the greatest experience in sports. Doesn&#8217;t matter what level or where you&#8217;re at in accomplishing that. That, to me, is one of the ultimates to be able to do that in Calgary, with the Calgary Stampeders, with the teammates that I had.&#8221;</p>
<p>While Garcia was never able to compete in a Super Bowl, the gap between the value of that championship and the Grey Cup may be even smaller than the difference in talent between the players that compete in them.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com/2026/02/08/former-stampeders-pro-bowl-qb-jeff-garcia-insists-not-a-lot-that-differentiates-cfl-players-from-nfl/">Former Stampeders, Pro Bowl QB Jeff Garcia insists &#8216;not a lot that differentiates&#8217; CFL players from NFL</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dev.3downnation.com">3DownNation</a>.</p>
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