CFL players invited to Canadian flag football camp

Calgary – In the wake of the Grey Cup game on Sunday, Edmonton Elks' Tyrell Ford and Montreal Alouettes' Tyson Philpot will continue managing their schedules. Despite their playoff performances, both players were among 20 CFL athletes chosen for Football Canada's inaugural professional national flag team camp in Chula Vista, California from November 29 to December 5.

The camp aimed to instruct the professional athletes on the rules and subtleties of flag football. Both Canada's men's and women's flag teams qualified for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in 2026. The women secured their spot by winning the World Championship in Germany, while the men finished third in their event. Paul LaPolice, a seasoned CFL coach, heads the Canadian men's team.

Flag Football will be an Olympic debut at the Los Angeles Games. Both the CFL and NFL permit their players to participate in the Games. CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston expressed the goal of providing CFL players with the chance to pursue representing their country. "Thanks to the collaboration of our clubs and the CFLPA, that opportunity now exists," he said.

The camp strengthens the game's growth in Canada. Both Ford and Philpot, who have twin brothers playing in the CFL, were selected. Ford, who had seven interceptions this season, was one of nine defensive backs chosen. The other defenders include Alonzo Addae (Ottawa), Cristophe Beaulieu (BC), Malcolm Bell (Hamilton), Tevaughn Campbell (Saskatchewan), Jackson Findlay (BC), Adrian Greene (Calgary), Ashton Miller-Melancon (Calgary), and Stavros Katsantonis (Hamilton).

Philpot joins the Philpots at receiver, along with Nic Demski (Winnipeg), Samuel Emilus (Saskatchewan), Justin McInnis (BC), Kevin Mital (Toronto), Kian Schaffer-Baker (Saskatchewan), and Keelan White (Ottawa). Philpot led the CFL in catches (124), yards (1,809), and tied with teammate Tyler Snead for most TDs (13). Nathan Rourke of the BC Lions and Taylor Elgersma of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers were the other quarterbacks chosen.

David Mackie, executive director of the CFL Players' Association, confirmed the union's support for players taking part in the flag game. "It's a fantastic opportunity for our membership," Mackie said. "But the key word is opportunity, they still have to earn their spot on the roster." The CFL and its nine member teams have agreed on players' availability for national team participation and insurance coverage and health benefits for the attending players.

The Los Angeles Games coincide with the CFL regular season, though Johnston doesn't anticipate a league-wide halt during the Olympics. "We think our league and our teams are strong enough to play through the Olympics," he said. CFL players participating in the L.A. Games will continue to be paid by their pro clubs.