Tre Ford, former UW football star, makes first career CFL start with the Edmonton Elks
Tre Ford, the former University of Waterloo football star, made history at the Edmonton Elks game on Friday night.
The 24-year-old rookie not only made his first career start in the CFL, but he's also the first Canadian quarterback to start for the Elks since 1968.
The Elks trailed the Hamilton Tiger-Cats by 13 points early in the second half of the game, but Edmonton came back to beat the hometown team 29-25.
Ford, who grew up in Niagara Falls, had a lot of support in the crowd. His family, friends and former University of Waterloo teammates and coaches were in the stands to cheer him on.
"To come back to Hamilton and have all my family watching me get that first start and that first win has been fantastic," he said."I have room for improvement. I’m not going to complain because we did win. But I’m going to hit the film room to see what I can critique and where I can get better."
Ford rushed 61 yards on six carries Friday night, and completed 15 of 26 passes for 159 yards and a touchdown.
Chris Bertoia was Ford's former football coach at the University of Waterloo and was at Friday night's game in Hamilton. He told CTV News that it's rare to see a Canadian quarterback get a chance to start so early in his career.
"It's a great opportunity for him," said Bertoia. "Nothing surprises me with Tre, and certainly this is a great opportunity for him and he has to seize the opportunity."
Ford was the first player in the school's history to win the Hec Crighton Trophy which is awarded to the most outstanding Canadian university football player.
He was picked eighth overall by the Elks in the 2022 CFL draft.
Ford's twin brother Tyrell, who is also a former Waterloo Warrior, was chosen 13th overall by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
-- With files from The Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.