The Hamilton Tiger-Cats, a strong team in the CFL last season, have been recognized as the top-performing franchise in the league off the field. Finishing first in the East Division in 2025, Hamilton was awarded five As and five Bs in the CFL Players’ Association’s recent team report cards. The team excelled in football operations, facilities and equipment, strength and conditioning, team travel, and training camp, while receiving Bs for coaching staff, ownership and business operations, therapy and medical staff, nutrition and diet, and treatment of families.
A player anonymously praised the Ticats for their high ranking and continuous improvements, stating that the club surpasses expectations and even hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for players and their families. Meanwhile, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the Grey Cup champions, also received top marks with five As in coaching staff, football operations, strength and conditioning, team travel, and training camp. However, they were given Bs in all categories except for treatment of families, where they received a C due to issues with community appearances.
The CFLPA survey, completed by 381 players, featured 78 questions and evaluated various aspects of team conditions. Montreal and B.C. were the only teams to receive an F, with the B.C. Lions getting a poor grade for nutrition and the Montreal Alouettes for their treatment of families. Last year, the Edmonton Elks received two Fs but this time improved with C-minus and C-plus grades in the respective categories. They also received two As for facilities and team travel.
Criticism was voiced by players regarding the Elks’ rehab planning, lack of treatment for injured players, and subpar accommodations for visiting players in Edmonton. Montreal and the Toronto Argonauts received As for different categories, while the Calgary Stampeders and Ottawa faced criticism in areas such as therapy and medical staff, treatment of families, and training camp facilities. The CFLPA aims to recognize positive examples and highlight areas needing improvement, following the lead of the NFL Players’ Association.