ALUMNI IN THE PRO'S

tRE fORD

eDMONTON ELKS

From the fields of Niagara Falls to the pinnacle of Canadian football, Tre Ford's journey is a testament to dedication, resilience, and passion for the game.

⚡ Early Life & Education: Born on March 30, 1998, in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Tre attended A. N. Myer Secondary School, where he played alongside his twin brother, Tyrell Ford. Together, they led the Marauders to a Junior Metrobowl championship in 2013 and three consecutive OFSAA championships from 2014 to 2016.

⚡ University Career: Tre played U Sports football for the Waterloo Warriors from 2017 to 2021. Over four seasons, he played in 30 games, recording 94 total tackles, six sacks, 20 pass knockdowns, and six interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. Additionally, he contributed as a kick returner with 40 kick returns for 733 yards and 82 punt returns for 1,139 yards and three touchdowns. He was named a U Sports Second Team All-Canadian at cornerback in 2019 and 2021.

⚡ Professional Career:

Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2022–2023): Drafted 13th overall by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 2022 CFL Draft, Tre made an immediate impact. In his rookie season, he played in all 18 regular-season games, contributing with 10 special teams tackles and three defensive tackles. After the season, he had a workout with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was released by the Blue Bombers on January 10, 2023, to pursue an NFL opportunity.
Green Bay Packers (2023): On January 10, 2023, Tre signed a reserve/future contract with the Green Bay Packers. However, he was released on August 29, 2023, and did not play in the 2023 season.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2024): On February 20, 2024, Tre re-signed with the Blue Bombers. He started all 18 games in the 2024 season, registering 51 defensive tackles, four special teams tackles, and seven interceptions—the second most in the league. His performance earned him CFL All-Star and West All-Star honors, as well as the CFL Most Outstanding Canadian award.
Edmonton Elks (2025–Present): On February 12, 2025, Tre signed with the Edmonton Elks. He scored his first professional touchdown on August 8, 2025, returning an interception 87 yards against the Montreal Alouettes in a 23-22 victory.

AN MYER

WATERLOO UNIVERSITY

TYRELL FORD

EDMONTON ELKS

From the fields of Niagara Falls to the pinnacle of Canadian football, Tyrell Ford's journey is a testament to dedication, resilience, and passion for the game.

⚡ Early Life & Education: Born on March 30, 1998, in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Tyrell attended A. N. Myer Secondary School, where he played alongside his twin brother, Tre Ford. Together, they led the Marauders to a Junior Metrobowl championship in 2013 and three consecutive OFSAA championships from 2014 to 2016.

⚡ University Career: Tyrell played U Sports football for the Waterloo Warriors from 2017 to 2021. Over four seasons, he played in 30 games, recording 94 total tackles, six sacks, 20 pass knockdowns, and six interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. Additionally, he contributed as a kick returner with 40 kick returns for 733 yards and 82 punt returns for 1,139 yards and three touchdowns. He was named a U Sports Second Team All-Canadian at cornerback in 2019 and 2021.

⚡ Professional Career:

Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2022–2023): Drafted 13th overall by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 2022 CFL Draft, Tyrell made an immediate impact. In his rookie season, he played in all 18 regular-season games, contributing with 10 special teams tackles and three defensive tackles. After the season, he had a workout with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was released by the Blue Bombers on January 10, 2023, to pursue an NFL opportunity.
Green Bay Packers (2023): On January 10, 2023, Tyrell signed a reserve/future contract with the Green Bay Packers. However, he was released on August 29, 2023, and did not play in the 2023 season.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2024): On February 20, 2024, Tyrell re-signed with the Blue Bombers. He started all 18 games in the 2024 season, registering 51 defensive tackles, four special teams tackles, and seven interceptions—the second most in the league. His performance earned him CFL All-Star and West All-Star honors, as well as the CFL Most Outstanding Canadian award.
Edmonton Elks (2025–Present): On February 12, 2025, Tyrell signed with the Edmonton Elks. He scored his first professional touchdown on August 8, 2025, returning an interception 87 yards against the Montreal Alouettes in a 23-22 victory.

AN MYER

WATERLOO UNIVERSITY

ANTHONY FEDERICO

CALGARY STAMPEDERS

⚡ Early Beginnings: Anthony's football journey began at Saint Michael Catholic High School in Niagara Falls, Ontario. He honed his skills with the Hamilton Hurricanes in the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) before committing to Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario.

⚡ University Success: At Queen's, Anthony made an immediate impact. In his first season (2018), he played in all eight games, recording 18 total tackles, including 5 sacks and 7 tackles for loss. His performance earned him a spot in the starting lineup and recognition as a force on the defensive line. Over his four-year career, he amassed 87 total tackles, 34.5 tackles for loss, and 20.5 sacks, solidifying his reputation as one of the top defensive players in U SPORTS football.

⚡ CFL Journey: In the 2022 CFL Draft, Anthony was selected in the second round (17th overall) by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He made his professional debut on July 21, 2022, against the BC Lions. Over his rookie season, he played in 10 regular-season games, recording five special teams tackles. In 2023, he played in the first 13 regular-season games before being placed on the injured list for the last five games of the season. After attending training camp with the Tiger-Cats in 2024, he was released on June 1, 2024.

⚡ Montreal Alouettes: On July 9, 2024, Anthony signed with the Montreal Alouettes. He played in two regular-season games before being released from the practice roster on September 16, 2024.

⚡ Calgary Stampeders: On September 17, 2024, Anthony signed with the Calgary Stampeders, continuing his professional football career and bringing his experience and leadership to the team.

⚡ CFL Player Mentorship Program: In 2023, Anthony was selected for the CFL Player Mentorship Program, a joint initiative between the league office and the CFL Players' Association. The program aims to provide players with a deeper understanding of the business aspects of the CFL and assist in their transition to post-football careers.

St. Michaels

Queen's University

keaton bruggeling

hamilton ti-cats

From the Niagara Spears to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Keaton Bruggeling's journey is a testament to dedication and versatility.

⚡ Early Beginnings: Keaton's football journey began at Eden High School in St. Catharines, Ontario, before he made his mark with the Niagara Spears. His time with the Spears laid the foundation for his future success in football.

⚡ University Success: At Carleton University, Keaton showcased his skills as a wide receiver, earning recognition for his performances on the field.

⚡ CFL Career: Drafted by the Ottawa Redblacks in the third round of the 2022 CFL Draft, Keaton played three seasons with the team, participating in 31 games and recording eight receptions for 83 yards.

⚡ Transition to the Tiger-Cats: In February 2025, Keaton signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, continuing his professional football career.

⚡ Athletic Versatility: Beyond football, Keaton is pursuing a career in bobsledding, aiming for a spot on Canada's Olympic team.

Eden

Carlton University

Johnny augustine

hamilton ticats

⚡ Early Beginnings: Johnny's football journey began in Jupiter Florida and eventually to Welland, Ontario, where he developed a love for the game at a young age. He attended the University of Guelph, playing five seasons with the Guelph Gryphons from 2013 to 2017. In his senior season, he rushed for 690 yards and nine touchdowns, showcasing his talent and determination .

⚡ CFL Journey: Despite going undrafted in the 2017 CFL Draft, Johnny's commitment to the sport kept his dreams alive. He signed with the Edmonton Eskimos but was released after a failed tryout. Undeterred, he joined the Saskatchewan Roughriders but was released before training camp. In May 2018, he signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, where he made his mark in the CFL .

⚡ Championship Success: Johnny's time with the Blue Bombers was marked by success. He played in the 107th Grey Cup, contributing to the team's victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He also participated in the 108th Grey Cup, where the Blue Bombers secured their second consecutive championship .

⚡ Hamilton Tiger-Cats: In February 2025, Johnny signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, continuing his professional football career and bringing his experience and leadership to the team .

⚡ Career Highlights: Over his career, Johnny has accumulated 1,486 rushing yards on 274 attempts, scoring three rushing touchdowns. He has also caught 26 passes for 280 yards and one receiving touchdown, showcasing his versatility on the field .

Notre Dame

Queen's University

lirim HAJRULLAHU

toronto argonauts

From the fields of Gjilan, Kosovo, to the pinnacle of Canadian football, Lirim Hajrullahu's journey is a testament to perseverance, resilience, and passion for the game.

⚡ Early Life & Immigration: Born on April 24, 1990, in Gjilan, Kosovo, Lirim's family emigrated to Canada in 1999 to escape the civil war. They settled in St. Catharines, Ontario, where Lirim attended Governor Simcoe Secondary School. Initially, he played soccer, basketball, and volleyball, using sports as a means to learn English and integrate into Canadian society. It wasn't until Grade 10 that he took up football, initially playing right tackle before transitioning to linebacker, offensive lineman, and kicker in Grade 12 .

⚡ University Career: Lirim attended the University of Western Ontario's School of Kinesiology, earning his bachelor's degree in sports management in 2013 and his master's degree in management and leadership in 2015. He played for the Western Mustangs, where he honed his skills as a kicker and punter, setting the stage for his professional career .

⚡ CFL Career:

Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2014–2015): Lirim began his CFL career with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, where he quickly made a name for himself with his strong leg and consistency. Over two seasons, he converted 31 of 32 extra points and 40 of 46 field goals, with a long of 76 yards, and averaged 43.8 yards per punt .
Toronto Argonauts (2016–2017): Lirim continued his successful career with the Toronto Argonauts, leading the team to a Grey Cup victory in 2017. He kicked the game-winning 32-yard field goal in the 105th Grey Cup, securing a 27–24 win over the Calgary Stampeders .
Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2018–2019): Lirim joined the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, where he continued to excel as a kicker and punter, contributing significantly to the team's special teams unit.

⚡ NFL Experience:

Dallas Cowboys (2021): Lirim signed with the Dallas Cowboys but was released before the regular season began.
Carolina Panthers (2021): He also spent time with the Carolina Panthers, participating in training camp and preseason games, further showcasing his skills at the professional level .

⚡ Return to CFL:

Philadelphia Stars (2023): Lirim played for the Philadelphia Stars in the USFL, where he continued to demonstrate his kicking prowess.
Toronto Argonauts (2024–Present): In 2024, Lirim made a triumphant return to the CFL with the Toronto Argonauts, bringing his experience and leadership back to the team .

⚡ Career Highlights:

105th Grey Cup Champion (2017): Played a pivotal role in the Argonauts' victory over the Calgary Stampeders.
CFL All-Star Selections: Recognized multiple times for his excellence in special teams.
NFL Experience: Gained valuable experience with the Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers.
USFL Participation: Continued his professional career with the Philadelphia Stars.

Governor Simcoe

Western University