Former CFL players from northern Ontario react to sweeping rule changes that will reshape Canadian football starting next season.
CFL Veterans Voice Concerns Over Major Rule Changes
Tradition Meets Transformation
Former Canadian Football League standouts Rocky DiPietro and Mike Derks are speaking out as the CFL prepares to introduce sweeping rule changes next season. The two northern Ontario natives, both Grey Cup champions with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, say the adjustments mark one of the most significant shifts in the league’s history.
New Season, New Dimensions
The CFL confirmed that its playing surface will undergo major modifications, including a field shortened by 10 yards and smaller end zones. Goal posts will also move to the back of the end zone, eliminating the long-standing risk of pass attempts colliding with the centre post—an incident DiPietro still remembers from the 1985 Grey Cup. The league says the changes align the Canadian game more closely with U.S. football standards and aim to create a faster, more streamlined experience for viewers.
Concerns Over Game Flow
A new 35-second play clock is also raising eyebrows among former players. DiPietro argues that tightening the time between snaps could reduce the dramatic late-game swings that have long defined the Canadian game. Known for its wide-open style and unpredictable finishes, the CFL has traditionally built excitement around its final three minutes—something DiPietro fears could diminish under the new timing rules.
Identity at Stake
Among the most contentious discussions is the possibility of adopting a four-down system in future seasons—an idea that has been floated but not formally proposed. DiPietro calls the notion “frightening,” insisting that three downs are essential to the identity of Canadian football. He believes that shifting to four downs would erase a core strategic element and blur the distinction between the CFL and its American counterpart.
Perspective from the Trenches
Derks, who also grew up in northern Ontario and spent six seasons protecting Hamilton quarterbacks, shares concerns about the shrinking field and faster tempo. Having played college football in the United States, he says the two games should not be viewed as competitors but as unique experiences. To him, comparing CFL and NFL gameplay is like “comparing apples to oranges,” noting that fans should appreciate the distinct style each league offers.
A Season of Answers Ahead
While both former Tiger-Cats disagree with several of the upcoming changes, they say the true impact will only become clear once the season begins. As the CFL tests a new version of its storied game, players, coaches, and fans will be watching closely to see whether the updates modernize the league—or move it too far from its roots.
