5 CFL Free Agents that Could "Double Dip" in 2024

By Pat Rifino

In 2023 we saw players like Brett Boyko, Collin Kelley, Dakota Prukop, and Darnell Sankey all experiment in earning income in both the Spring Leagues as well as heading up North in the CFL. With Spring Football looking like it has a place in our lives for the foreseeable future here are Five Players that may Double Dip in 2024.

Jake Dolegala Saskatchewan Roughriders QB

Dolegala is a small school QB who was able to put together a nice little career in the NFL before taking a chance up North. Finally in 2023 due to several injuries at QB for SSK, Dolegala was able to put together a decent amount of reps however SSK still ended with a 4-14 record come season's end. With the opportunity to play more football on the horizon, maybe Dolegala makes his way to the USFL, XFL, or Merged combination in an effort for a more lucrative and consistent contract. 

Tommy Stevens Calgary Stampeders QB

Stevens has made a nice niche for himself in the CFL however, he has fallen into a bit of a “typecast” similar to Dakota Prukop. With Stevens still “young” enough to have a go at the NFL is it outlandish for him to pop on to the “Spring Football” scene to maybe garner some NFL interest? Who knows but as we saw with Prukop it’s extremely possible to put together a season in the USFL only to add in an additional 17 games in the CFL and still be effective.

Lorenzo Mauldin Ottawa Redblacks DL

A bit of a stretch on this one but hear me out. Mauldin could utilize the same logic that Argos QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson did in 2023. Mauldin, an Atlanta Native could be a huge bonus for the Stallions or whoever the 2nd “Hubbed” team is moving to in 2024. While Mauldin has proven to be a valuable member of the CFL, at age 31 playing in front of your friends and family may be too good of an opportunity to pass up.

Shawn Oakman Toronto Argonauts DL

Why not? Oakman has played in so many different leagues in his career I think championing him to the USFL would be a fun storyline for another NFL comeback. Whether it was the AIF, CIF, TSL, AAL, XFL, FCF, and CFL, Oakman has been there and done that except for a coveted shot at the NFL. With time ticking in his playing career maybe Oakman comes back “home” for another shot at the “show”.

Kony Ealy Edmonton Elks DL

Ealy put together another respectable stat line of the Elks in 2023 and may want to come “home” in 2024. Ealy who is from about 2 hours south of St. Louis as well as being a Mizzou Alum might motivate Ealy to like others on this list play in front of friends and family. While Ealy may no longer be looking at an NFL opportunity, but he’d be a welcomed piece for the St. Louis Battlehawks.

Each XFL Team's Most Notable Supplemental Draft Pick

By Pat Rifino

After the recent XFL Supplemental draft, the XFL saw 90 players join their 8 teams as the New Year came. While we saw some retreads from XFL 2.0, there were also 42 USFL alumni who joined the three-time league. As we always do at The Markcast®, it’s time to highlight 8 players from each time who caught our eye during the XFL supplemental draft. 

1 - Orlando Guardians, Wide Receiver Eli Rogers

A former NFL receiver who's probably statistically in the Top-15 of XFL retreads, Eli Rogers opted out of playing for his former OC Todd Haley in the USFL after being drafted. Rogers is a veteran of the 2020 DC Defenders and has an opportunity to show he’s still capable in a professional football setting.

2 - Seattle Sea Dragons, Wide Receiver Josh Gordon

Probably the easiest pick of the litter, Gordon was an All-Pro in the NFL before suspensions caught up with him. A super bowl champion Gordon humbled himself by joining the FCF in 2021, which then earned him contracts with the Seahawks and Titans before getting released earlier in the 2022 NFL Season. Gordon is set up to succeed by joining Ben DiNucci in June Jones' explosive offense for the 2023 XFL season.

3 - DC Defenders, Defensive Lineman Davin Bellamy

After spending 2021 and 2022 out of football Bellamy returned to football by putting together an All-USFL season. The Former New Orleans Breaker started the season earning Week One player of the week accolades and remained a constant in the Breakers’ pass rush.

4 - St. Louis Battlehawks, Offensive Guard Vadal Alexander

Alexander has a great story. The former 7th-round NFL pick was a starter for the Raiders in 2016 and 2017, however, found himself out of football for almost five seasons. Alexander rebounded back with the USFL’s Pittsburgh Maulers and started 10 games for Kirby Wilson’s squad in 2022. Alexander is easily a day 1 starter for the Battlehawks who also picked up another USFL standout Juwann Bushell-Beatty.

5 - Houston Roughnecks, Cornerback Will Likely

Likely was the All-USFL Cornerback and considered the second-best corner next to Channing Stribling. Likely may be a bit older, however, still has plenty of explosives left in the tank. Likely spent two seasons in the CFL before joining the USFL in 2022.

6 - Arlington Renegades, Linebacker Donald Payne

Payne was an All-USFL Linebacker for the Houston Gamblers. The leading tackler from the USFL, flourished in his first experience in an alt-league and should be expected to continue his ring of success in 2023 for the Renegades.

7 - Vegas Vipers, Linebacker Emmanuel Beal

The Vipers had a bit of quiet showing during the supplemental draft. The most notable player to me was the former Tampa Bay Bandits Emmanuel Beal. Beal is an XFL 2.0 retread who spent 2020 as a reserve linebacker with the Vipers. Beal returns to the XFL with another year of experience under his belt playing for Coach Rod Woodson who knows a bit about playing with explosive linebackers.

8 - San Antonio Brahmas, Center Jordan McCray

I could have gone with Reggie Corbin here, but McCray gets the nod due to his experience as an Alt-League fixture. A bit of an elder statesman, McCray bounced around the NFL in 2014 and 2015 before playing for three arena league teams from 2016-2018 before a failed stint with the Bears in 2019. McCray joined the AAF’s “Champion Orlando Apollos, and the XFL’s 2.0, before spending 2022 in the USFL with Champion Birmingham Stallions. McCray is one of the league’s most experienced players and is considered a top center in the Alt-League. 

Top 7 Careers of QBs Post their Alt-Football League Stints

By Pat Rifino

With the XFL draft having concluded, it’s often times we see players get drafted and wonder what happens next. With PJ Walker and Taylor Heinicke dominating the headlines left and right it’s clear that not many Quarterbacks often have the Cinderella ending that takes place for a small minority of quarterbacks. While many QBs will often extend their careers a season or two due to the alt-leagues, many often don’t have the privilege of actually maintaining a career in a major professional league after their time in the alternative spotlight ends. The seven players below, are quarterbacks who’ve managed to continue their careers for a couple more seasons and earn some nice paychecks.  

7 - Taylor Cornelius, CFL Edmonton Elks

Ole Corndog was a backup QB to Aaron Murray during XFL 2.0. After spending 2020 with the Tampa Bay Vipers Cornelius was able to catch the eye of the CFL to back up Trevor Harris in 2021. Cornelius would end up starting 8 games in 2021 and 12 games in 2022, during his 20-game audition Cornelius has put up respectable numbers throwing over 4,500 yards, and 20 touchdowns while adding 8 more on the ground. Cornelius’ has shown the Elks enough that he was offered a two-year extension, for 2023-24, with the potential to earn about 600k total. Not bad for an undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma State. 

6 - Tommy Maddox, NFL Pittsburgh Steelers

An OG on our list, Maddox was a first round pick in 1992 to the Denver Broncos, after six underwhelming seasons in the NFL, a stint in the Arena League, Maddux used his time in the XFL 1.0 to put together and MVP and Championship campaign, which transitioned to a contract with the Steelers as a backup in 2001. Maddox would play five more years in the NFL, throwing 42 Touchdowns for the Steelers and earning a comeback player of the year award in 2002. In 2003 he was a part of the Steelers team that won a super bowl in 2003. Overall, Maddox’s post XFL career was definitely a success story, and one many look back on fondly.

5 - McLeod Bethel-Thompson, CFL Toronto Argonauts 

MBT started his career in the alt-leagues by having a cup of tea in the United Football League spending 2011 with the Sacramento Mountain Lions. MBT was able to earn NFL contracts for six years from 2012-2016 earning 792,322 dollars throughout his career. MBT would then join the CFL becoming a Grey Cup Champion, and being named to multiple All-Star teams. 

4 - Garrett Gilbert, NFL New England Patriots 

Garrett Gilbert actually had a Super Bowl ring and three pass attempts before coming to the AAF, what he didn’t have was NFL opportunities. Gilbert joined the Apollos and put together an MVP campaign for the defunct franchise however, this time his stay in the unemployment line would be short lived. After leaving the AAF, Gilbert has spent time with Cleveland, Washington, Oakland, Dallas, and New England, earning approx. 2 million dollars while appearing in seven games (two starts).

3 - PJ Walker, NFL Carolina Panthers

Walker was a favorite of Oliver Luck when he began constructing the XFL 2.0. Walkers XFL career is well noted as he was viewed as the MVP in the COVID shortened season. Since joining the Panthers Walker has put together a solid resume especially in 2022. Over the past three seasons he’s earned about 2.5 million dollars while solidifying his chances of extending his career as a solid number two option in the NFL.

2 - Josh Johnson, NFL Denver Broncos 

Johnson has actually two stints in Alt-Leagues that have propelled him to success and longevity in the NFL. In 2012 after spending four seasons with the Tampa Bay Bucs, Johnson joined MBT’s Sacramento Mountain Lions and was able to put together enough film that kept him employed in the NFL from 2012-2018 earning about 5.8 million dollars. Johnson’s career hit another hiccup when in 2019 he was cut by the Lions and would find himself with the LA Wildcats of the XFL. After impressing in the XFL Johnson would extend his career for another three seasons in parts with the 49ers, Jets, Ravens, and now Broncos, earning another 1.2 million dollars, playing in four games over three days and throwing five touchdowns over that time.

1 - Taylor Heinicke, NFL Washington Commanders

The Heinicke experience of the XFL stems more from his connection to Coach Ron Rivera rather than his play or lack thereof with the Battlehawks. After the shutdown of XFL 2.0, Heinicke was getting ready to transition from football completely until Coach Rivera called in winter of 2020, Heinicke late season heroics earned him a contract worth 5.5 million dollars and since the XFL he holds a 10-9 record for the Washington franchise throwing 26 Touchdowns over the last three seasons. While Heinicke wasn’t the more than hype man for the Battlehawks the XFL does hold a special play in our heart seeing shotgun two seltzer after a Battlehawks victory in 2020.

The Jump To the NFL, Why Spring League Superstars Don't Always Get Picked Up by NFL Teams

By Pat Rifino

Cam Phillips, Reggie Corbin, the list can go on and on. Whenever a spring football league comes out, at the conclusion of the season many fans often flock to Twitter to plead the case of their beloved new spring league hero or why their favorite NFL team should sign their favorite AAF, XFL, or USFL All-Pro. To fans, it is often mind-blowing how this could happen, how Cam Phillips could score 9 TDs in five games yet be an afterthought come training camp. The reason? It’s actually pretty simple, these players lack one thing that coaches desperately, look for versatility.

Now versatility? What do you mean my favorite player can line up in the slot, stretch the field, etc? Well, being a versatile football player means a bit more than where you line up oftentimes in these alt-leagues players may put up gaudy stats but does that mean anything? To an extent, yes but it takes a bit more than just a successful stat-line for an alt-league player to transition to the NFL. 

The question has to be why is this alt-league player in the FCF, USFL, or XFL to begin with? There are plenty of answers, small-school, injuries, coaching changes, etc. But there usually is a reason, for KaVontae Turpin it was legal issues that led to IFL, FCF, ELF, and then the USFL for others it’s a guy like Damon Sheehy-Guiseppi who has a completely non-traditional path to any league much less someone with a non-complete college career. But despite the success, many alt-league stars have there is something that many are missing that NFL coaches long for.

Special Teams. We mention versatility, and while some may think it is a one-dimensional aspect just taking place on that player's specific place on the ball, it really is so much more than that. Coaches value the aspect of special teams over everything when it comes to filling in roster spots. 

In reality, the majority of roster spots are already claimed on an NFL roster, whether that be because of skillset, coach familiarity, or contracts, the number of opportunities for the backend parts of the rosters is extremely limited. Thus maximizing the importance of special teams. 

Coaches need players to cover kicks and punts, act as gunners, block punts, etc. It’s probably why a guy like Reggie Corbin hasn’t been signed and his backup Stevie Scott did or why his 3rd string option Cam Scarlett is a more valuable option. While Corbin is definitely a dynamic runner, and a top-tier running back in the USFL, NFL coaches don’t need that. They need a guy like Cam Scalertt, who can be a personal protector, block on third-down, and be on the kickoff or 2nd line of the kick return unit. Corbin didn’t and hasn’t done any of that really in the USFL. 

It’s the same with Cam Phillips. Coming out of college, Phillips instantly saw the field, and was a part of the core group of receivers his freshman year catching 40 passes and immediately being a starter, and foregoing the “grunt work”  coaches are less than impressed that their WR5 can’t contribute on special teams and for Phillips, it’s been his Achilles heel. Cam Phillips IS finding success north of the border in the CFL currently with the Toronto Argonauts, although his path hasn’t always been certain.

Not to sound like a broken record, but the path from the alt-league to the NFL is seemingly pretty linear. Contribute to special teams, add value at your position group, and fill in the back half of the roster in multiple different ways. For a guy like KaVontae Turpin and DeMarquis Gates they figured it out for others, for  Cam Phillps and Reggie Corbin, it seems like they are still trying to figure it out.

Top 5 CFL Players Taking the Field for the NFL in 2022

By Pat Rifino

With the CFL season in full swing and the NFL pre-season winding down, constant reminders of alternative leagues will continue to pop up. With the USFL completing their season and the NFL signing almost 50 of their former players, people often forget that for years the alternative league of choice was always the Canadian Football League. The CFL has a long history of transitioning talented players to the NFL and this year will be sending a steady diet of CFL alumni to NFL camps. Below are the Top-5 former CFL players going into the NFL for 2022 (*author’s note, this article was written on 8/16/22)

Alex Singleton

Singleton came on the scene with the Calgary Stampeders winning a Grey Cup and the Most Outstanding Defensive Player award in 2017. In 2019 he would transition to the NFL joining the Eagles until 2021. While with the Eagles Singleton would become a stalwart linebacker for the team, being in the top-5 in tackles for their defense He would total 137 tackles in 2021 and now looks to be a critical piece for the Denver Broncos going into 2022.

Erik Harris

Harris went undrafted in 2013 by the NFL and signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Harris spent 3 seasons there, where he played linebacker, and moved to the NFL where he converted to the free safety position. Through injuries, Harris would begin to see the field after being signed by the Raiders where became a bonafide starter. In 2021, Harris would sign with the Atlanta Falcons, and enters 2022 as a critical piece in the Falcons rebuild under Arthur Smith.

TeVaughn Campbell

He attended the University of Regina in Saskatchewan and then spent several years in the CFL. After stints with the Stampeders, Roughriders, and Alouettes, Campbell made his way to the NFL in 2019. After serving on the Practice Squads of the Jets and then Chargers for a full season, Campbell finally got to make his mark in 2020. For the past two seasons, Campbell has been a reliable depth player for the Chargers, starting 11 games over the past two seasons.

Brandon Zylstra

Zylstra was a 2017 CFL All-Star, during his two-year stint in Edmonton. With 134 receptions, 2,195 yards, and 8 touchdowns, it was no surprise when the NFL realized the talent of the Concordia College Star. Zylstra had a one-year stop with the Minnesota Vikings, before catching on with the Carolina Panthers. Zylstra has played there for the past three seasons, primarily on special teams, while occasionally contributing offensively. His brother Shane Zylstra is also in the NFL with the Lions after being cut by the Vikings.

DeAundre Alford 

Alford entered professional football when training camp, mini-camp workouts, and OTA’s were in flux. After completing his senior season at Tusculum College in Tennessee Alford would be passed over by the NFL, and signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Alford sat out the 2020 season as with everyone in the CFL. Alford came into 2021 for the Blue Bombers a dominating force. In addition to becoming a CFL All-Star, Alford was a part of a championship team. In 2022, Alford would sign with the Atlanta Falcons and where he is suspected to make the 53-man roster.

Milt Stegall on 2023 CFL Season, Gary Stern, Alouettes’ Struggles, Matt Dunigan’s Beard, and More

By Reid Johnson

I was fortunate enough to have CFL Hall of Famer and legend of the game Milt Stegall on the August 5, 2022 episode of The Markcast running down all things CFL as we approach week 9 of the 2022 CFL season. In our extended chat, we covered Milt’s thoughts on the CFL’s level of excitement coming off of the “down” year in 2021, his thoughts on Nathan Rourke and the BC Lions, the recent struggles the Alouettes have been facing both on the field in the quarterback position, AND on the sidelines when it comes to the recent firing of fan-favorite head coach Khari Jones. I also asked Milt about recent rumors of “drama” surrounding the CFL on TSN panel, his thoughts on his co-panelist Matt Dunigan’s beard, and the recent Twitter “feud” Milt Stegall seems to have found himself in opposite Montreal Alouettes all-star owner (and former guest of the podcast) Gary Stern.

Here are some excerpts from Milt Stegall’s appearance, please check out the episode for the full interview!

On the quality of play in the 2022 CFL season:

“We're a lot better place than where we were this time. Last year, you know, scoring is up. Games have been exciting, even for the teams that haven't won many games, you know, they've been in the game. So at end of the day, that's what the fans want.”

On Montreal Alouettes owner Gary Stern’s rise to prominence on social media:

“This is great for the CFL. It's great for everyone who's a Canadian football league fan. You know, you have a owner who's engaging with fans who’s on Twitter, who’s on social media. Not saying what those other owners are doing, they shouldn't be doing, but I'm just saying, this is great. I love it. I love the fact that he's having fun. He's enjoying life, and at the end of the day, we're, we're talking about football.”

On Alouettes head coach Khari Jones’ termination and Danny Maciocia replacing him midseason:

“I wasn't surprised. I mean, I said this at the beginning of the year, you know, I said that GM he wanted to be the head coach. You know, this was his dream job….Now I wasn't, I didn't say he, he was, he was hoping that Khari wouldn't do well. But once that door opened up, once that team wasn't doing well, and it was just four games in. He stepped in. So I wasn't surprised about it.”

On Vernon Adams Jr.’s injury and Trevor Harris leading the Montreal Alouettes as quarterback:

“This is not his team right now. This is Trevor Harris's team, and that has to hurt him. You see him on the sideline and he puts on a good show but I know down deep down that has to hurt him because this is not his team. Going into this season, he was expected to be the franchise quarterback for years to come. So it's a tough situation.”

On Chris Jones’ recent player releases and where he sees the Edmonton Elks competing this season:

“You never count a Chris Jones team out. I'm never gonna do that. Yeah. He's making a bunch of changes weekly, but Chris Jones always has a plan. That man is very smart, he's won great cups as a head coach, as a defensive coordinator, he knows what he's doing. It may not look that well on the outside looking in, but Chris Jones spends too much time at his job at that office to not say he doesn't know what he's doing, so I'm never gonna count him out.”

On Matt Dunigan’s newly grown beard:

“Hey, had to go with it. He had to change it up. Would I ever cover up this beauty? No, not saying that Matt is ugly, but you know, every now and then you gotta change your looks up. You know, you wanna make things different, but I have no problem with even know, Matt keeps himself in shape.”

Plenty more insights and analysis from Milt Stegall on this week’s episode of The Markcast. Please like and subscribe if you haven’t already by heading over to - themarkcast.com/watch for video or themarkcast.com/listen to subscribe to us on your favorite podcast platform! Thanks for reading!!

Highlighting The Career of MBT

by Pat Rifino

McLeod John Baltazar Bethel-Thompson, a name worthy of his own article, was recently brought back to the Toronto Argonauts on January 30, 2022. MBT as he’s known by many has been with the Argos since 2017 and has made a name for himself as a reliable Quarterback and a fan favorite for many in the CFL. But, MBT’s journey is extremely unique and one that doesn’t get mentioned enough in the realm of professional football.

MBT has played in five professional football leagues and eleven teams over the past ten years. His career began in 2011 through the AFL after not getting much opportunity in college. He only threw 252 passes while at UCLA and Sacramento State and had to begin with the San Jose SaberCats after being undrafted by the NFL. After only throwing forty three passes for the SaberCats, MBT would bounce between his first NFL team the 49ers and get cut, only to find himself back in Sacramento with the United Football League’s Mountain Lions where he would appear in several games throwing seventy two passes, starting two games. Before being signed to the Dolphins Practice Squad.

Upon completing his career in UFL, MBT would go on a journey from 2011 to 2016 that would involve multiple trips around the country and multiple cuts and resigning by the same team over and over again. His resilience and presence would yield multiple contacts to practice squads and active rosters over six seasons. 

Stops, with Miami(x2), Minnesota(x2), San Francisco(x3), New England, and Philadelphia have all added unique chapters to MBT’s story. Per Spotrac though he does well for himself financially over parts of six NFL seasons earning $792,322, however over half of that was earned in 2012. Regardless of the financial gains MBT has made in his career while in the NFL he also had the opportunity to be around some strong QB rooms as well.

He’s been in the same room as Tom Brady, Josh McCown, Alex Smith, Jordan Palmer. Chase Daniel and Matt Cassel to name a few. All guys who have been praised for their high football IQ, and professionalism they bring to their franchises. He’s also had the privilege of being around high-caliber coaches like Jim Harbaugh, Bill Belichek, and Doug Pederson as well. All these leaders and mentors that MBT has had over his career have given him an opportunity for a young QB to grow and grind through an extremely difficult career that has been riddled with uncertainty. But eventually despite all the traveling, at the end of camp in 2016 MBT, was released and on to his next adventure.

In 2017 MBT found himself in Brian Woods’ Spring League for it’s inaugural season/showcase. Upon completion of the 2017 season he would be one of thirty nine players invited to a tryout with the New York Jets in which he would remain unsigned and still a free agent. Eventually, a CFL team calls and a young (ish) MBT is given the opportunity to learn from one of the best quarterbacks who has ever graced the CFL. Someone who ironically he shares an alma mater with.

In May of 2017 MBT would join the Toronto Argonauts and join a crowded quarterback room. This room included several recognizable names like CFL legend Ricky Ray, CFL All-Star Cody Fajardo and former Ivy-League stand out Jeff Matthews and the Argos would go on to win the 2017 Grey Cup. 

MBT’s role in the Argos would expand in 2018, as Matthews and Fajardo would depart the team. Toronto would acquire former Mizzou Quarterback James Franklin and MBT would be regulated to QB3 on the depth chart. The Argos would lose Ricky Ray in week 2 and after a 2-6 start put up by Franklin, MBT would make his first start in the CFL.however, the Argos would fail to make the playoffs.

2019 would be a career changing year for MBT. He began the season as QB2, as RIcky Ray retired in May. Despite James Franklin entering Week one as the starter, an injury would spring MBT into action. MBT would lead the CFL in touchdowns for 2019 throwing Twenty Six touchdowns in only thirteen starts. After nine seasons as a professional Quarterback, MBT had finally solidified him as a professional.

But as fate would happen, 2020 would throw a monkey wrench into not only MBT’s career but the careers of all CFL players. As he was finally beginning to have some stability in his career, COVID-19 would cancel the 2020 CFL season, leaving hundreds of players and coaches out of work. With nothing but time on his hand MBT would rejoin The Spring League in the 2020/2021 season to remain in shape for NFL and CFL teams. After being released from his contract MBT would resign with the Argos in May 2021. 

Despite his past success with the Argos MBT was not “given” the starting job for 2021. He would enter a battle with Nick Arbuckle who for several weeks they would go back and forth before MBT finally secured the starting job. MBT would even earn a CFL All-Star appearance, the first in his career. Most importantly the Argos reached the playoffs, where they unfortunately would be defeated by the Ti-Cats that would not be without some controversy. 

Despite all the ups and downs it does seem that MBT now goes into the 2022 season as the starting QB for the Argos. The road to this point in his career is definitely a story worth reading and one I’m not sure enough people know about. Regardless, of what happens in 2022 and beyond it is extremely evident that MBT has manifested a great career that shows people what they can do with a solid work ethic, a bit of resilience, and some luck.

No CFL Reunion, Chris Streveler remains in NFL, Signs with Dolphins

by Patrick Rifino

Sometimes, no matter how much we want something to happen, sometimes it wasn't meant to be. Despite my earlier article with a prediction that a reunion between Streveler and Paul LaPolice would reunite with the RedBlacks in the CFL, Chris Streveler will be staying in the states and has signed with the Miami Dolphins in the NFL.

Streveler joins a Quarterback room that is in slight flux. With Tua Tagovailoa's future in question, Jacoby Brissett a free agent and Jake Luton signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Streveler has an opportunity to make the Dolphins 53-man roster as the number two quarterback.

After earning a cult following in the CFL and winning a championship with the Bombers, Streveler has manufactured a little bit of regular season experience over the past two seasons. Though his time in the CFL with Winnipeg may have helped his development (throwing for 19 touchdowns and rushing for 22 touchdowns between 2018-19), his resume consists of 25 NFL pass attempts and seven rushing attempts for 21 yards over seven game appearances. With Tua's ability to first off, stay healthy and second, earn the full confidence of the previous Dolphins coaching staff, Streveler's limited NFL reps may be hurting his chances at getting a consistent look as Tua's back up.

Even though Streveler's experience is limited, his physical traits and intangibles continue to garner him employment in the NFL. Upon getting released by the Cardinals, the Ravens were quick to pick up the former Blue Bomber and would remain with the team until the conclusion of the 2021 season.

Due to Tua's fragile nature so far in his career, it is more than likely that Miami and first year coach Mike McDaniel do sign an established veteran QB (no not you Mike Glennon), leaving Streveler as a QB3 or practice squad option. Regardless for Streveler as a small school prospect, the former South Dakota Coyote continues to defy odds by continuing to garner employment as a professional quarterback.

Streveler's career may not be the most glamorous, yet he will be going into his 3rd NFL training camp. In a league that carries the alternate moniker "Not For Long", Streveler has continued to persevere throughout his time in the NFL and CFL. Streveler’s resilience has paid as well. Per spotrac has earned around $1,159,957 in the NFL which is nothing balk at for someone who was originally viewed as an afterthought in the league originally.

With the draft and free agency getting ready to take place in the next several weeks, hopefully by the time September rolls around we see Chris Streveler in an aqua and orange uniform, even if he is only holding a clipboard.

10 CFL Players Who’ve Made the Pro Bowl

by Patrick Rifino

The CFL or the Canadian Football League has fielded many opportunities for several stand-out college players who’s time might not have been right to make a start in the NFL or National Football League. Many of these players often return back to the states after gaining film and turn out successful careers with more football experience under their belts. The CFL or Canadian Football League is comprised of 9 teams stretching across Canada, the BC Lions, Calgary Stampeders, Edmonton Elks, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the West Devision, and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Montreal Alouettes, Ottawa REDBLACKS and Toronto Argonauts of the East Division. The CFL general plays from June through November where they award their Grey Cup, the top prize that can be won in the Canadian Football League. Here are 10 players who played in the CFL before earning an NFL Pro Bowl selection.

Brandon Browner

Browner was an undrafted free agent out of Oregon State in 2005. After getting injured his rookie year he was waived by the Broncos in 2006. Browner ended up signing with the Calgary Stampeders in 2006 winning the Grey Cup in 2008. While with the Stampeders Browner earned three CFL all star selections, which earned him a 3 year contract with the Seattle Seahawks. Browner would earn a 2011 Pro Bowl nod, in addition to Super Bowl rings with the Seahawks (2013) and the Patriots (2014).

Cameron Wake

Wake, was an UDFA out of Penn State in 2005 was cut before training camp. After spending a year out of football, Wake transitioned to the CFL with the BC Lions in 2007. Wake earned two all star selections and two Most Outstanding Defensive Player awards. Wake would sign a four deal with the Miami Dolphins and earned five pro bowl selections during his 11-year career. During his time in the NFL Wake also passed the coveted 100 sack milestone during his time with the Titans.

Joe Horn

Horn was undrafted from Itawamba Community College due to his inability to earn a D1 scholarship due to poor SAT scores, What makes Horn even more unique is that he spent two years out of football before signing with three American CFL teams ( Baltimore Stallions, Shreveport Pirates, and Memphis Mad Dogs). Horn was able to play well enough with the Mad Dogs to earn himself a contract with the Kansas City Chiefs in 1996 and ended up earning four bowl selections with the New Orleans Saints. With all these accomplishments and unique path to the NFL I guess Horn was more than justified to call a loved one during an NFL game.

Warren Moon

Warren Moon went undrafted in 1978 out of Washington. Moon would join the Edmonton Eskimos where he would win five Grey Cup’s and a CFL MVP. Moon would then transition to the NFL with the Oilers earning nine pro bowl appearances. Moon would become the first CFL hall of famer to be enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame in 2006.

Jeff Garcia

Another undrafted free agent Garcia would leave San Jose State in 1994 and join the Calgary Stampeders as Doug Flutie’s back up.Garcia would earn four CFL all star appearances and was even named the Western Division’s MVP in 1997 (Jeff Nicklin Memorial Trophy). Garcia would finish his CFL career with a Grey Cup victory in 1998, before joining the San Francisco 49ers in 1999 as Steve Young’s backup. Garcia would also earn four NFL pro bowls and start six playoff games for three NFL franchises throughout his 18 year professional career.

Mike Vanderjagt

Peyton Manning’s “idiot kicker” is our first and only Canadian on the list. Vanderjadgt, who is from Ontario, bounced between the CFL and AFL before signing with the Toronto Argonauts in 1996 where he kicked and punted for the Argos. He would end up winning two Grey cups in the CFL before being signed by the Colts in 1998. Vanderjagt would have a successful career with the Colts, earning a pro bowl selection in 2003, along with All-Pro honors (1st team 2003, 2nd team 1999) before returning to Canada in 2008 to be closer to family. Not a bad career for an “idiot kicker''.

Doug Flutie

The former 1984 Heisman winner was deemed too short to play in the NFL and was drafted in the 11th round of the 1985 NFL draft. Flutie would sign with the USFL New Jersey Generals and play in the USFL until the league folded. Flutie then meandered around the NFL from 1986-1989 before transitioning to the CFL for eight years. Flutie would win six CFL MVP’s, six Grey Cup Championships, before returning to the NFL in 1998 earning a pro bowl selection and a NFL comeback player of the year while with the Bills. Flutie was selected to the CFL Hall of Fame in 2008.

Joe Kapp

After being selected by the Redskins/WFT in 1959, and not being signed, Kapp took his talents to Calagry before being traded to the BC Lions. Kapp would lead the Lions to a Grey Cup championship in 1964 and was selected to two CFL all star teams (1963,1964), in addition to winning a Jeff Nicklin Memorial Trophy (Western Division MVP). Kapp would then replace Fran Tarkenton in Minnesota where he would earn a pro bowl selection in 1969 while leading the Vikings to an NFL Championship. Knapp was inducted in the CFL Hall of Fame in 1984.

Joe Thiesmann

After an All-American career at Notre Dame, Joe Thiesmann was drafted in the 4th round by the Miami Dolphins in 1971. Due to a failure in negotiations Thiesmann would join the Toronto Argonauts for $50,000 ($343,145.68 in 2022) and become a CFL all-star in 1972 and 1973. Thiesmann’s rights were obtained by the Redskins/WFT in 1974 were he would go to two pro bowls, an MVP, a super bowl and a devastating career-ending injury. Though Thiesmann's career ended a bit prematurely he seemed to have shined wherever he went as he transitioned nicely in the broadcast booth.