Saskatchewan Roughriders legend Darian Durant has chimed in on the comments made by Edmonton Elks’ general manager Ed Hervey about the lack of superstar players in the CFL. While Durant agrees with Hervey, he thinks the comments were out of line and will have repercussions for the Elks.
Hervey’s “No Superstar” Claim Causes Backlash
Ed Hervey’s claim the CFL has no superstar players got hammered by fans and former players. On The Jason Gregor Show , Hervey explained what he means by superstar.
“A superstar for me was Muhammad Ali and Michael Jordan, that’s all. That’s really it. Guys that are known globally,” he said.
He later clarified his comments, saying he’s proud of the league and its players.
“I don’t think our league doesn’t have good players. I think our league has great players. I think we have players who play at a high level and that’s why I’m very proud of this league,” Hervey said.
But the damage may have already been done, especially for a team like the Edmonton Elks trying to rebuild and attract top talent.
Durant’s Take: Why Hervey’s Words Matter
As a former CFL quarterback with over 10 years of experience, Darian Durant knows the ins and outs of Hervey’s argument. He agrees the league hasn’t seen a generational player since legends like Anthony Calvillo or Ricky Ray. But Durant still didn’t like Hervey’s comments.
“You don’t want to step on the league that gives you your paycheque. I don’t like it — it was nasty,” Durant told The SportsCage.
Durant said such comments can make players hesitant to sign or re-sign with the Elks.
What Hervey’s Comments Mean for the Elks
Lack of Organizational Support
For players entering free agency or considering the Elks, Hervey’s comments might be a red flag. Durant explained how these comments make players question if they’ll have the support they need to succeed in Edmonton.
“It’s hard for guys who are entering that organization to really feel like you have the support and backing of the top guys,” Durant said.
“When you say that, it definitely makes guys think twice about wanting to stay or wanting to start their career in that place.”
Perception of Value
Durant also pointed out how Hervey’s comments could impact contract talks. Players looking for top dollar might not want to join a team with a GM who downplays the talent in the league.
“As an athlete, let’s say you’re in your 4th, 5th year in the league, now you’re entering a situation where it’s time to get paid — really get paid — and you want to get paid like the top guys. Think about the Edmonton Elks and Ed Hervey, what he said,” Durant asked.
“Are you going to be like: ‘Should I even go there where a GM says that?’ Do you even want to have a guy like that as your boss?”
Loyalty and Confidence in Players
Durant said even if a team is bad, the leadership should show confidence and loyalty to their players. By saying the league is weak, Hervey is alienating current and future players.
“You could have the worst team in the world but you’re supposed to go out in the media and say how good you are and say how you believe in your players,” Durant said.
“If a GM says that, as an athlete, you think twice about it.”
The Bigger Picture: CFL’s Image and Future
Hervey’s comments were probably meant to be realistic but they exposed a bigger problem: the CFL can’t seem to make its stars household names. Durant’s rant is a reminder that public opinion matters – not just for individual teams but for the league itself.
For the Edmonton Elks, rebuilding trust with players and fans will take more than words. It will take actions that show they believe in the team and respect the league’s athletes.
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