Having called hundreds of CFL games over the years for TSN, Dustin Nielson knows more than most that you’re bound to get a stinker once in a while.

And after calling Thursday night’s 33-11 victory for the Ottawa RedBlacks over the Calgary Stampeders, the 44-year-old took to social media to apologize for a night that he’d like to forget.

“The first half of last night’s game might have been the worst one that I’ve done. Honestly, it rattled me last night. I thought I would have slept it off, but I didn’t,” Nielson said in a video posted on X.

“I’m still pissed at myself, and I think in the media, it’s so easy to criticize players, teams, managers, even leagues lately, but we don’t criticize each other, because everybody will get mad and pissed, and we very rarely criticize ourselves or hold ourselves accountable. But last night’s first half sucked. I was sh**, and I haven’t been able to get over it.”

Good Morning from Ottawa.

A message to young play-by-play folks out there, you won’t always be perfect but don’t let yourself get rattled.

In the first half last night I sucked and I need to get it off my chest. pic.twitter.com/1q6IGxmZMV

— Dustin Nielson (@nielsonTSN1260) August 1, 2025

“I guess I need to just get this off my chest. Because I was, I tried to, like, I want to become one of the best play-by-play people in the country. And I’ve got a pretty good gig right now already. But I want, I want to do more. Everybody always wants to do more. And I [have] as many good games as you can have, last night’s first half has me completely rattled.”

Nielson said that conditions inside TD Place in Ottawa threw him off his game immediately, leading to several mistakes. He mistakenly identified Stampeders running back Jeshrun Antwi as teammate Dedrick Mills, and said it was just the first of a few mistakes that threw him off his game.

“First of all, the sun was glaring in my eyes for the first quarter, and I let it get to me the very first play of the game.”

Despite the rough call, Nielson ended his note trying to look on the bright side.

“I’m happy I have another game tomorrow because I’m going to get it back. I’m promising you it’s going to be one of the best calls of the season,” Nielson said. “I had to get it off my chest, and I was just pissed, still a little pissed, but I think I feel better now.”

Dusty, you are very good at what you do. Appreciate the authenticity. Most people probably wouldn’t have noticed but we hold ourselves to a very high standard. Hold your head high, learn from last night and on to the next. See you soon.

— Dave Campbell (@Dave_CHED) August 1, 2025

Social media reaction was kind to Nielson for his honesty, including from longtime TSN and current Sportsnet broadcaster Chris Cuthbert and Elks radio analyst Dave Campbell.

Been there more times than I can count. Usually fans don’t notice but that doesn’t matter because you know. After those games I can’t wait for the next one. A chance to wipe the slate clean. Keep grinding. You’re already elite. Your care factor will get you where you want to go.

— Chris Cuthbert (@CCpxpSN) August 1, 2025

As Nielson alluded to, he’s back in the TSN booth for a call on Saturday between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Montreal Alouettes, with kickoff set for 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET.

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