The CFL’s Unlikely Seahawks Reunion: A Tale of Second Chances and Hidden Potential
There’s something oddly captivating about the Canadian Football League (CFL). It’s like the NFL’s quirky cousin—smaller in scale but brimming with personality. And this year, as the CFL kicked off its new season with a thrilling Montreal Alouettes overtime win, I found myself drawn to a peculiar trend: the league’s growing roster of former Seattle Seahawks players. Eleven, to be exact. What makes this particularly fascinating is how these players, once on the fringes of NFL stardom, are now carving out unexpected careers north of the border.
The CFL: A Land of Opportunity (and Second Chances)
Let’s be honest: the CFL isn’t the NFL. But that’s precisely what makes it intriguing. For players like Kenny Lawler, a former Seahawks draft pick, it’s been a launching pad. Lawler, who barely stuck around Seattle’s practice squad in 2017, just signed a massive CFL contract—a testament to his transformation into one of the league’s top receivers. Personally, I think this speaks to a broader truth: sometimes, talent just needs the right stage. The CFL’s wider field and rule variations create a different kind of football, one that rewards adaptability and versatility.
Take Levi Bell, for instance. A preseason standout in Pete Carroll’s final season with the Seahawks, Bell never made the active roster. Yet, in the CFL, he’s thrived, racking up 12 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble in his debut season with the BC Lions. What many people don’t realize is that the CFL often becomes a proving ground for players who were overlooked in the NFL. It’s not just about second chances—it’s about redefining what success looks like.
The Canadian Connection: More Than Just Geography
One thing that immediately stands out is the number of former Seahawks who are now considered “domestic” players in the CFL due to their Canadian roots. Joel Dublanko, for example, whose father and grandparents are Canadian, has become a standout linebacker for the Edmonton Elks. This isn’t just a footnote—it’s a strategic advantage. The CFL’s ratio rules, which mandate a certain number of Canadian players on the field, give these athletes a unique edge. From my perspective, this highlights how cultural and familial ties can shape athletic careers in unexpected ways.
The CFL’s Evolution: A League in Transition
This season feels like a turning point for the CFL. With a new broadcast deal on the horizon and major rule changes coming in 2025—including moving goalposts to the back of the end zone and shrinking the field—the league is clearly trying to modernize. But here’s where I’m skeptical: the decision to let eight of nine teams into the playoffs. Personally, I think this dilutes the competition. If you take a step back and think about it, the CFL risks losing what makes it special—its underdog spirit—by trying to mimic the NFL’s inclusivity model.
The Human Stories Behind the Stats
What this really suggests is that the CFL isn’t just a league; it’s a collection of stories. Players like Pier-Olivier Lestage, who went from the Seahawks’ practice squad to winning a Grey Cup with the Montreal Alouettes, embody the resilience that defines so many CFL careers. Lestage’s journey is particularly interesting because it shows how local pride—he’s from Montreal—can fuel success.
Then there’s Bubba Bolden, whose CFL stint with the Alouettes has been unremarkable so far. Bolden’s story is a reminder that not every transition is seamless. The CFL isn’t a guaranteed path to glory; it’s a grind, just like any other league.
Why This Matters Beyond the Field
If you ask me, the CFL’s growing Seahawks contingent is more than just a fun trivia point. It’s a reflection of how sports careers are rarely linear. The NFL’s cutthroat nature often leaves talented players on the sidelines, but the CFL offers a different narrative. It’s a league where players like Dakoda Shepley, who spent just eight games on the Seahawks’ active roster, can find a sense of belonging.
What this really suggests is that success isn’t one-size-fits-all. For some, it’s about Super Bowls; for others, it’s about Grey Cups. And for fans, it’s about appreciating the stories behind the names.
Final Thoughts: The CFL’s Quiet Revolution
As I watch the CFL’s evolution, I can’t help but feel it’s on the cusp of something bigger. Yes, it’s still the underdog league, but with players like Lawler and Dublanko leading the charge, it’s gaining a new kind of credibility. In my opinion, the CFL’s ability to reinvent itself—both on and off the field—is what makes it worth watching.
So, if you’re curious, tune in. The games are fast-paced, the stories are rich, and who knows? You might just see a former Seahawk become a CFL legend. After all, as these players have shown, sometimes the road less traveled leads to the most rewarding destinations.
How to Watch:
For those wondering, CFL games air on CBS Sports Network in the U.S. and are available internationally via the free streaming service CFL+. Starting in 2027, DAZN will carry live games outside the U.S. It’s easier than ever to join the ride.
