CFL Insider: Latest News, Scores & Stats from the Canadian Football League

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  • Surprise Sensation: Ex -Steelers RB Wows Everyone in CFL Opener

    Surprise Sensation: Ex -Steelers RB Wows Everyone in CFL Opener

    When Jaylen Samuels took the field for the Ottawa Redblacks this past weekend Surprise Sensation, many fans were curious—but not necessarily expecting fireworks. After all, it had been years since he last played meaningful football at a high level. Yet, in just one half of action, Samuels reminded everyone why he was once considered a promising talent coming out of NC State.

    A Long Road Back to the Game

    Before Saturday’s game, Samuels hadn’t played in a competitive professional contest since 2021. His NFL career—once full of promise—had stalled after short stints with teams like the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals. He even tried his luck in the XFL (now UFL), but didn’t make the final roster.

    But on Saturday, all that seemed behind him.

    A Debut to Remember

    In the Ottawa Redblacks’ 23-7 win over the Montreal Alouettes, Samuels made the most of his limited time. In just two drives, he:

    Caught three passes for 13 yards

    His first carry? A jaw-dropping 24-yard touchdown run that left defenders grasping at air. It wasn’t just flashy—it was effective. Coaches and fans alike noticed how quickly he adapted to the CFL style of play, and how smoothly he fit into the offense.

    More Than Just a Flash in the Pan

    What stood out most wasn’t just the stats—it was the way he moved. His cuts were sharp, his vision was clear, and he looked comfortable catching passes out of the backfield, something that could make him a dual threat in the league.

    Samuels, who signed with the Redblacks on April 28, seems determined to prove he still belongs on the field. And if Saturday was any indication, he might just have a future in Canada.

    From Steelers Backup to CFL Spotlight

    Back in Pittsburgh, Samuels was always seen as a versatile player. At NC State, he lined up everywhere—tight end, H-back, even as a kick returner. But in the NFL, he was mostly a backup, stuck behind bigger names like James Conner and later Benny Snell.

    Still, he showed flashes. In 2018, his rookie year, he rushed for over 250 yards and caught 26 passes. By 2019, though, the depth chart shifted again, and his opportunities began to shrink.

    Now, in a new league, he has a fresh chance to show what he can really do.

    What’s Next for Samuels?

    It’s only an exhibition game, but the buzz around Samuels is real. If he continues performing like this, there’s no reason he can’t lock down a starting role in Ottawa.

    For now, fans are excited—and rightly so. Sometimes, all a player needs is one moment to remind us why we fell in love with the game in the first place.

  • Corey Mace Sends Team Home Early — Here’s Why the Riders Are Facing Heat

    Corey Mace Sends Team Home Early — Here’s Why the Riders Are Facing Heat

    Tensions ran high at Saskatchewan Roughriders’ training camp this week when head coach Corey Mace made the rare decision to end practice early — and not because of weather or injury.

    Mace had seen enough.

    After multiple scuffles broke out between players during Thursday’s session, especially along the trenches, he took immediate action.

    What Triggered the Coach’s Reaction?

    It wasn’t just one incident that led to the abrupt ending — it was a pattern.

    Multiple reports confirm there were four separate altercations between offensive and defensive players. After the fourth clash, Mace ordered the team to run wind sprints as punishment. But when he didn’t see the response he wanted, he sent everyone straight to the locker room.

    “We’re trying to get better,” Mace said afterward. “But today just wasn’t a good day.”

    He clarified that while physicality is encouraged, anything after the whistle won’t be tolerated.

    “There’s zero tolerance for that,” he stated firmly.

    A History of Discipline Issues

    This isn’t the first time the Riders have faced scrutiny over penalties.

    In recent years, they’ve consistently ranked among the most penalized teams in the CFL , leading the league in unnecessary roughness calls last season. That kind of behavior played a role in the departure of former coach Craig Dickenson and nearly cost them playoff opportunities.

    Mace came in last year aiming to change that culture, and things improved — but not completely. With another camp already showing signs of old habits, the message needed to be clear.

    Players Step Up — But Not Soon Enough

    During the sprints, veteran leaders reportedly voiced their frustration to younger teammates, trying to enforce accountability from within.

    Mace acknowledged this self-policing effort, calling it a positive sign.

    “I’m pleased with that aspect of it,” he admitted. “But I’d rather just run more reps here.”

    His point? Discipline and focus are non-negotiable — even if tempers flare after weeks of intra-squad battles.

    “It is that part of camp,” he said. “They’re ready to play someone else. But we can’t overlook what we’re here for — getting better.”

    What’s Next for the Riders?

    With the first preseason game just around the corner — a road matchup against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Saturday — the Riders now have real competition to look forward to.

    Let’s hope that channeling all that energy into game-day intensity will help avoid another explosive practice.

  • Matt Dunigan Future with TSN Revealed CFL Fans React

    Matt Dunigan Future with TSN Revealed CFL Fans React

    After more than two decades as a voice of the Canadian Football League on TSN, legendary quarterback Matt Dunigan won’t be back for the 2025 season. Multiple sources have confirmed to 3DownNation , the end of an era in CFL broadcasting.

    Dunigan, 64, has been with TSN since 1999 — except for 2004 when he took a year off to coach the Calgary Stampeders. Over the years he became one of the most recognizable voices in the league, known for his sharp analysis and deep knowledge of the game.

    From Gridiron Great to Broadcast Icon

    Before he was a TV fixture, Dunigan was a gridiron great. He played 14 seasons in the CFL (1983–1996) with Edmonton, B.C., Toronto, Winnipeg, Birmingham and Hamilton. His stats are mind-boggling: 43,857 passing yards , 303 touchdowns , and three CFL All-Star selections .

    He won two Grey Cups and was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2006 — long before he ever picked up a headset.

    The Reaction from Fans

    When word got out that Dunigan wouldn’t be back on TSN, fans took to social media to express their disappointment.

    “One of the last true voices of the CFL,” one fan tweeted. “Going to miss his insight and passion. Hope he stays involved somehow.”

    Others wondered what this means for TSN’s CFL coverage and if other veteran analysts might be stepping aside.

    What’s Next for the CFL Broadcast?

    TSN is still the exclusive Canadian broadcaster of the CFL and will air all 81 regular-season games in 2025. Of those, 19 will also air on CTV . But the network is scaling back its preseason coverage to just two games — both of which will be on CFL+ , the league’s streaming platform.

    As for Dunigan, neither he nor TSN have commented yet. We’ll update this story if they do.