17 years ago, the CFL put out a “This Is Our League” video set to Neverending White Lights’s “Always”. If you’ve never seen it, spend 4 minutes watching it now. It was and is amazing.
CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston is making significant changes to our game. These changes will take effect in 2027.
The field will be shortened to 100 yards from 110, just like in the NFL. The goalposts will be moved to the back of the end zone — just like in the NFL — which will be shortened from 20 to 15 yards. A 35-second play clock will automatically start at the conclusion of each play; it had been 20 seconds, starting at the referee’s discretion. The uniquely CFL rouge, or single point, will be awarded only if a returner doesn’t advance the ball out of the end zone after a missed field goal, punt or kickoff.
I must confess, the last CFL game I watched was last season’s Grey Cup match, but I think my favourite thing about the CFL is that it’s not the NFL. These changes move our game closer to theirs.
But something had to change. Every team in the CFL, except for Winnipeg and Saskatchewan, is losing money. The average attendance has dropped this season to 22,596, and it’s much, much lower here in Toronto.
At least they’re trying something, and they haven’t resorted to adding a fourth down.