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
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.