The CFL will look a little bit more like the NFL going forward.
Canadian Football League Commissioner Stewart Johnston has announced several major changes to the way the game will be played.
The field is shrinking, from 110 yards to 100 yards, which matches the NFL. End zones are shrinking too, from 20 yards to 15 yards, which is still larger than the NFL’s 10-yard end zones.
Goal posts are moving from the goal line to the back of the end zone, which also matches the NFL.
The play clock, which has long been 20 seconds in length, will be 35 seconds going forward. It’ll reset automatically, like the NFL.
The rouge, which has long been ridiculed by CFL haters, is being modified. Teams will still receive a single point if they are tackled with the ball in their own end zone, but no longer will they be rewarded with a single point for a missed field goal that sails through the end zone.
Bench locations are also being standardized, as teams will now line up on opposite sides of the field.
“This is all about making our great game even more entertaining,” said Johnston. “We are trading field goals for touchdowns, while improving fan experience in stadiums and at home.
“These changes are the most significant in decades. We are retaining the unique elements upon which our traditions stand, but innovating where change is needed to evolve our world-class game.”
The changes will be implemented over the next two seasons, with the modified rouge, automatic play clock, and team bench locations coming in 2026. Shortened field sizes, smaller end zones, and moving the goal posts, are coming in 2027.
The rule changes were unanimously approved by the CFL’s Lead Governors.
“I commend the Board of Governors for its unwavering commitment to a culture of constant improvement,” Johnston added.
“Our governors do not take change lightly because they know how much the CFL, and the Canadian icon that is the Grey Cup, mean to generations of Canadians. These changes are about improving something that is already great. They are rooted in data and analytics; they have been thoughtfully and carefully considered. But they are big and bold because that’s what’s necessary to make our fantastic game even more entertaining, and to win in the attention economy.”
Big changes are coming to the Canadian Football League (CFL)
There are still a number of uniquely Canadian rules that weren’t changed. While the NFL plays with four downs, the CFL will continue to stick with three. The width of the CFL field (65 yards) will also continue to be larger than the NFL (53 1/3 yards).
Johnston was asked at a press conference in Toronto if he would “guarantee” that the CFL would never move to four downs under his watch. While he didn’t signal that four downs are an eventuality, he didn’t exactly shoot down the idea either.
“I don’t offer guarantees. I don’t say the word ‘never,’” Johnston said.
More to come…
You might also like:Remember all 7 failed American CFL teams from the 1990s?