CFL to NFL: A Journey of Gridiron Greats

Ever wondered how many Canadian Football League (CFL) players have made it big in the National Football League (NFL)? We've rounded up a list of CFL stars who've taken their talents south of the border and made a name for themselves in the NFL. So, grab a snack, get comfy, and let's dive into the exciting world of CFL players in the NFL! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and cfl players in nfl.

The CFL-NFL Pipeline: A Brief History

Before we dive into the players, let's take a quick look at the CFL-NFL pipeline. The CFL, with its unique 12-man roster and wider field, has long been a feeder league for the NFL. Many NFL teams have drafted or signed CFL players, with some even becoming household names. So, let's shine a spotlight on some of these gridiron greats!

Quarterbacks: The Field Generals

Anthony Calvillo: The All-Time Passing Leader

Kicking off our list is none other than Anthony Calvillo, the CFL's all-time passing leader. Calvillo spent 16 seasons in the CFL, winning three Grey Cups and being named the league's Most Outstanding Player three times. In 2004, he had a brief stint with the Las Vegas Gladiators of the XFL but never suited up for an NFL team. However, his impact on the CFL is undeniable, and his name is etched in the league's history books.

Mike Reilly: The "Canadian Superman"

Mike Reilly, known as the "Canadian Superman," was another CFL quarterback who made waves in the NFL. After spending six seasons in the CFL, Reilly signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2013. Although he didn't see much playing time, he did get to suit up for a regular-season game against the Green Bay Packers. Reilly returned to the CFL in 2014 and continued his successful career, winning the league's Most Outstanding Player award in 2015.

Running Backs: The Ground Pounders

Andrew Harris: The CFL's All-Time Rushing Leader

1. 2016. He won the CFL's Most Outstanding Player award in 2019 and became the league's all-time leading rusher in
2. 2021. In 2018, Harris had a brief stint with the Baltimore Ravens, appearing in two games and rushing for 17 yards.

Jon Cornish: The CFL's Last 1,000-Yard Rusher

Jon Cornish was another CFL running back who made it to the NFL. Cornish spent five seasons in the CFL, winning the league's Most Outstanding Player award in 2013 and becoming the last CFL running back to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. In 2014, Cornish signed with the Calgary Stampeders and won another Grey Cup. He also had a brief stint with the Denver Broncos in 2015 but was ultimately cut from the team.

Wide Receivers: The Game Breakers

Nate Burleson: The CFL's Most Productive Receiver

Nate Burleson is one of the most successful CFL players to make it to the NFL. Burleson spent two seasons in the CFL with the Toronto Argonauts and the BC Lions, winning the CFL's Most Outstanding Rookie award in 1998. He then spent 11 seasons in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Detroit Lions, catching 450 passes for 5,631 yards and 39 touchdowns.

Derrick Masters: The CFL's All-Time Receiving Leader

Derrick Masters is another CFL wide receiver who made it to the NFL. Masters spent eight seasons in the CFL, winning two Grey Cups and becoming the league's all-time leading receiver. In 1992, Masters signed with the Phoenix Cardinals but was cut before the season started. He returned to the CFL and continued his successful career, eventually being inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

Defensive Backs: The Ball Hawks

Drew Willy: The CFL's All-Time Interception Leader

Drew Willy is a CFL defensive back who made a brief appearance in the NFL. Willy spent six seasons in the CFL, winning two Grey Cups and becoming the league's all-time interception leader. In 2014, Willy signed with the Buffalo Bills but was cut before the season started. He returned to the CFL and continued his successful career, winning another Grey Cup in 2019.

Jarious Jackson: The CFL's All-Time Sack Leader

Jarious Jackson is another CFL defensive back who made it to the NFL. Jackson spent six seasons in the CFL, winning two Grey Cups and becoming the league's all-time sack leader. In 2005, Jackson signed with the San Francisco 49ers but was cut before the season started. He returned to the CFL and continued his successful career, winning another Grey Cup in 2007.

The CFL-NFL Pipeline: A Two-Way Street

While many CFL players have made it to the NFL, the pipeline isn't one-way traffic. Many NFL players have also spent time in the CFL, either as a way to get back into football shape or to extend their careers. Some notable NFL players who have suited up in the CFL include:

- Chad Pennington: The former NFL quarterback spent the 2011 season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats after being cut by the Miami Dolphins. - Brandon Browner: The former NFL cornerback spent the 2017 season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats after being cut by the Seattle Seahawks. - JC Jackson: The former NFL cornerback spent the 2018 season with the Saskatchewan Roughriders after being cut by the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Future of CFL Players in the NFL

As the CFL and NFL continue to grow and evolve, so too will the pipeline between the two leagues. With the increased exposure of the CFL on ESPN and the growing popularity of Canadian football, more CFL players are likely to make the jump to the NFL in the coming years.

So, there you have it, folks! A comprehensive look at CFL players who've made it big in the NFL. From quarterbacks to running backs to wide receivers to defensive backs, these gridiron greats have left their mark on both sides of the border. As the CFL-NFL pipeline continues to thrive, we can expect to see even more Canadian football stars making a name for themselves in the NFL. Until next time, stay gridiron gang!