CFL Stars Who Successfully Made the Leap to the NFL

By Jason Bolton September 02, 2024 09:29

Photo by AP file

Although the CFL (Canadian Football League) is a prominent league and has produced many legends of American football, it often serves as a secondary pool of players to show or showcase down athletes hopeful of escalating professionally in North America's number one gridiron game. The following highlights the career trajectories of some talented CFL players who have moved onto an NFL roster, documenting their successes and struggles and what set them apart.

Profiles of Notable Players

1. Warren Moon

Playing Career and Background in the CFL

Moon became arguably the most famous player to make the leap from the CFL (Edmonton Eskimos) to the NFL. Moon signed with the Edmonton Eskimos after a dismal NFL draft in 1978. In total, he won five straight Grey Cup championships, earning himself a reputation as one of the top players in CFL history.

Accomplishments & Stats

During Moon's CFL career, he scored impressive numbers with over 21,000 passing yards and 144 touchdowns. Dunigan was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Player for his efforts in 1983.

Transition to the NFL

Moon broke into the NFL with Houston in 1984, becoming one of the league's first black quarterbacks to taste real success. He made the switch because he wished to return to the greatest stage and back up himself after being disregarded by the association originally.

NLF Performance

Moon played 17 seasons in the NFL and threw for over 49,000 yards with 291 touchdowns. He was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and enshrined into the Hall of Fame in its 2006 class, calling it quits as one of the premier quarterbacks to have ever done so.

2. Cameron Wake

Playing Career and Background in the CFL

Wake signed with the BC Lions of the CFL to start his professional football journey. After going undrafted in the NFL, Wake signed with the Lions in 2007 and soon developed into a star defensive end. He was twice named Defensive Player of the Year for his work north of the border.

Notable Accomplishments and Stats

Wake spent two seasons with the Lions and added 39 sacks, showcasing his special talents as a rusher and athlete. His success in the CFL caught the attention of NFL scouts, and he signed with the Miami Dolphins in 2009. His transformation was supported by his god-gifted work ethic and the lack of will to play at a more elevated level.

NFL Performance & Contribution

Wake would become the foundation of Miami's defense with five Pro Bowl appearances and a career that features at least 100 sacks. His performance on the field was just as impactful as his leadership off of it, and he is well-connected within the league community.

3. Doug Flutie

Playing Career and Background in the CFL

Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie rejuvenated his career with the CFL after a short stint in the NFL. It wasn't until joining the BC Lions in 1990 that Flutie began to make a name for himself as one of the most thrilling quarterbacks in CFL history; he was notorious for his ability to scramble and extend plays.

Highlights and statistics

He won three Grey Cup titles and swept the CFL's Most Outstanding Player awards.

Transition to the NFL

Flutie parlayed that success into a second NFL season, this time with the Buffalo Bills in 1998. As he transitioned, his size raised some doubts, but his CFL experience had made him much more polished and confident.

NFL Production & Outlook

For Flutie, it was a chance to prove the skeptics wrong, and he did just that by guiding Buffalo back into the playoffs, winning the AFC East title while receiving Pro Bowl recognition. He was loved and revered for his ability to make plays when the game or season was on the line.

4. Brandon Browner

Playing Career and Background in the CFL

Brandon Browner was undrafted in the NFL and signed with the Calgary Stampeders. Arriving as a cornerback, he became one of the top defensive players in CFL history, renowned for his hardnosed approach and nose for the football.

Accomplishments and Numbers of Significance

Browner's Grey Cup title and All-Star berths in Canada are moments in his career that solidified his effectiveness between the hash marks.

Transition to the NFL

Browner went on to sign with the Seattle Seahawks in 2011, as his big and physical play style was a perfect fit for their defense. The similarities in defensive strategies between the CFL and NFL helped with his transition.

NFL Career and Impact

Browner emerged as a standout player in the Seahawks' imposing "Legion of Boom" secondary and won Super Bowl XLVIII with Seattle. His 219 tackles in the league show his rare capability to be aggressive, get after it, and disrupt opponent offenses.

5. Jeff Garcia

Backstory and CFL career

Jeff Garcia began his pro career north of the border with the Calgary Stampeders. Garcia won a Grey Cup as the starting quarterback for Calgary in 1998 and was named an All-Star twice.

Top Achievements Stats

Garcia threw for more than 16,000 passing yards and 111 touchdowns during his time in the CFL and was a proven field general.

Transition to the NFL

Garcia's success in the CFL eventually drew attention from the NFL, and he signed with the San Francisco 49ers in 1999. He said his move was fueled by a longing to rise and play the best of the NFL, much like it expressed.

NFL Performance and Results

Garcia went on to have great success in the NFL, making four Pro Bowls and leading two teams deep into the postseason. He was a natural leader, and his tenacity earned him a reputation across the league.

Challenges Faced

Changing their schedule is the most difficult for players moving from a CFL to the NFL. Play on the field is very different for larger teams, with a single 4-down series each possession and huge disparities in complete rushing format. The NFL has a quicker pace and more intricate playbooks, which require greater physicality from its competitors and their ability to acclimate physically and mentally. There is also an adjustment involved in the new team dynamics and coaching styles that are daunting for any player accustomed in a CFL environment.

Success Factors

As much as intangibles matter, physical attributes such as speed and strength also play a pivotal role in competition at the NFL level. Support systems from coaches and teammates help players acclimate to the new league. Finally, a player needs to show real drive and determination if they will succeed in adapting when coming through the other side of this transition.