Even great college players don’t always find a professional career in the NFL. While recent Spring leagues provide a professional opportunity for many, the Canadian Football League has long been the most highly regarded professional organization outside of “the league.”

The Canadian version of the game has some key differences from the NCAA and NFL versions, encouraging more spread passing than ground-and-pound. Competition is quite fierce for the limited number of rosters spots available to Americans, but some former Ducks have survived and even thrived in the version of the game played in the cold north. With the CFL season in full swing, let’s check in on former Oregon players currently playing for Canadian teams.

QB Vernon Adams Jr. – Calgary Stampeders

The 10-year CFL veteran is off to the best start of his career, completing a blistering 137 of 209 for 1989 yards with 20 touchdowns and 0 interceptions so far this season. As seen above, going back to last season he now has the CFL record for consecutive touchdown passes without an interception.

Curiously, the the top two spots in the CFL record book for consecutive pass completions are both held by Ducks: Jeremiah Masoli with 23 and Jason Maas with 22.

QB Anthony Brown Jr. – Montreal Alouettes

Brown had spent time on NFL rosters as a backup and practice player, along with exploring spring league options, and signed with the Alouettes in February. He is currently on Montreal’s practice squad.

WR Johnny Johnson III – Saskatchewan Roughriders

Similarly to Brown this is Johnson’s first season in the CFL having had a stint as an NFL practice player and other leagues. He was elevated from the Roughriders practice squad at the start of this month and recorded a single catch in Saskatchewan’s last three games.

DB Bennett Williams – Ottawa Redblacks

The hard hitting defensive back has been with Ottawa since 2024, signing an extension going into the 2026 season. Unfortunately he’s struggled with injuries in all three years in the CFL and 2026 is no exception. He recorded 17 tackles combined on defense and special teams to start this season but is currently listed on the 6-game injury list. Hopefully he’ll be healthy enough to return for the end of the season in the Fall.