The Hamilton Tiger-Cats, one of the CFL’s top-performing teams last season, have been recognized as the league’s premier franchise in terms of off-field excellence.
After finishing at the top of the East Division in 2025, Hamilton received impressive grades in the CFL Players’ Association’s second annual team report cards. The team garnered five As and five Bs across various categories, including football operations, facilities/equipment, strength and conditioning, team travel, and training camp.
Praising the Ticats, a player anonymously remarked, “My club was highly ranked last year and still chose to make improvements. This club stands out in the CFL and goes above and beyond expectations.” The player also mentioned the team’s gesture of hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for players and their families.
In contrast, the Grey Cup-champion Saskatchewan Roughriders also received five As for areas like coaching staff, football operations, strength and conditioning, team travel, and training camp. However, they earned Bs in most categories and a C for treatment of families, with criticism directed at their community appearances.
The CFLPA’s survey, distributed to all CFL players, received responses from 381 players this year, down from 495 participants last year. The survey covered various aspects of team facilities and services, with grades based on players’ experiences.
Notably, the B.C. Lions and Montreal Alouettes were the only teams to receive failing grades, with Fs for nutrition/diet and treatment of family, respectively. Players expressed concerns about inadequate nutrition standards and lack of family support during game days.
The Edmonton Elks, who received two Fs in the previous evaluation, improved this year with C-minus and C-plus grades in the respective categories. Despite facing criticism for their rehab planning and accommodations, the Elks earned positive marks in facilities and team travel.
Additionally, Montreal and the Toronto Argonauts received As in specific categories, while teams like Calgary Stampeders, Toronto, B.C., and Ottawa received Ds for areas such as therapy/medical staff, treatment of families, and training camp logistics.
The CFLPA collaborated with Dr. Desmond McEwen from the University of British Columbia to conduct the survey, aiming to highlight exemplary teams and areas needing enhancements. This initiative follows the NFL Players’ Association’s release of team report cards in 2023.
