The Hamilton Tiger-Cats, one of the top-performing teams in the CFL last season, have been recognized as the league’s leading franchise in terms of off-field performance. Finishing first in the East Division in 2025, Hamilton received high marks in the CFL Players’ Association’s annual team report cards, with five As and five Bs. The top grades were awarded for football operations, facilities/equipment, strength and conditioning, team travel, and training camp, while coaching staff, ownership/business operations, therapy/medical staff, nutrition/diet, and treatment of families received Bs.
An anonymous player praised the Ticats, stating that despite their high ranking last year, the club continued to make improvements and exceeded expectations. Notably, the team even hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for players and their families.
The Grey Cup champions, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, also received top marks with five As in coaching staff, football operations, strength and conditioning, team travel, and training camp. They earned Bs in all areas except treatment of families, where they secured a C grade, and were criticized for their community appearance initiatives.
The CFLPA conducted a survey with 381 players from all CFL rosters, gathering feedback through 78 questions. Last year, 495 players participated in a similar evaluation. The survey covered various aspects of workplace conditions, including team facilities and services. Montreal and B.C. were the only teams to receive an F grade, with the B.C. Lions criticized for poor nutrition standards and the Montreal Alouettes for inadequate family support.
Edmonton Elks, who had received two Fs in the previous year for nutrition/diet and training camp, showed improvement this time with C-minus and C-plus grades in those areas. They received two As and faced criticism for their rehab planning and accommodations for visiting players.
The NFL Players’ Association released its first team surveys in 2023, following the CFLPA’s initiative to highlight positive examples and areas needing improvement among CFL teams. Montreal and Toronto received As in various categories, while Calgary and Ottawa faced criticism for aspects like therapy/medical staff, treatment of families, and training camp facilities. The CFLPA collaborated with Dr. Desmond McEwen, emphasizing the importance of recognizing exemplary practices and areas for enhancement within CFL teams.