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
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.