By The Canadian Press

CFL under fire for new changes, some fans say it makes the game more American

Sep 22, 2025 | 12:57 PM

The CFL has come under some fire by one of its more notable names.

The league announced some big changes from a two-part plan Monday that will be phased in over two years and alter the way the game looks and is played. While league commissioner Stewart Johnston said it “is all about making our great game even more entertaining,” it came under some major heat from B.C. Lions star quarterback Nathan Rourke.

The 27-year-old from Victoria called the rules “garbage” and made his displeasure known for the league not consulting the players.

“The rule changes, to me, make it sound like we want to be that league down south,” Rourke said.

“The CFL game has existed longer than the NFL, and there’s a reason for that,” Rourke said. “It’s unique. The fans love it. I grew up loving this game. And they’re changing that.”

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It also caused some mixed reactions from fans, with many feeling it takes away from the Canadian game in making it more American.

“The gall of Stewart Johnston to make such damning changes to our beloved sport when he’s barely gotten enough time in the job to no longer be considered a trainee,” Matt Riege said on X. “The game itself was perfectly fine for decades, and did not need a major overhaul.”

Starting next season, teams will no longer be able to win games with a single off a missed field goal that sails through the end zone.

A single point will only be awarded if a returner fields a missed field goal, punt or kickoff in the end zone and either kneels or is tackled in the end zone trying to forward the ball.

Lions kicker Sean Whyte posted on X: “Well I guess I know when I won’t be needed. It was a fun ride.”

Also, there will be a 35-second automatic reset on the play clock. Teams currently have 20 seconds to get a play off but that usually doesn’t begin until it’s blown in by an official.

“I can abide some of the rule changes. The 35 second clock is excessive and will slow the game down. Why not an automatic 25 second clock. Lastly, 3 downs is a red line. The Commish should have said that rule is non-negotiable,” one user named Darryl Bloom said on X.

Starting in 2026, each CFL stadium will have team benches on opposite sides of the field to facilitate substitutions. Both benches are currently on the same side of the field.

Then, in 2027, CFL fields will be modified. They’ll be reduced from 110 yards to 100 yards, end zones will go from 20 yards to 15 yard and goalposts will be moved from the goal-line to the back of the reconfigured end zones.

Those modifications will make CFL fields look very similar to those in the NFL however the Canadian playing surfaces will remain 65 yards wide as opposed to 53 yards for those south of the border.

“The CFL field proportions have always looked ‘wrong’ for TV viewing. And, evidenced by their own examples in that video reel, the current goalpost positioning is comical. No argument with any of these changes,” a user named James posted on X.

Others disagreed with the changes, entirely.

“The unique rules of Canadian football distinguishes our game from the American game. To preserve the CFL is to promote the differences, not make them more similar. Where are all the Elbows Up crowd?” Doug Jordan said on X.

“Why spend money on marketing when you can just Americanize? This won’t bring more fans, and it is cheapening our unique game. It is setting up for 4 downs though. Johnston is a snake,” Hummingbird posted.

Added Bob Pickard: “This goes against the zeitgeist of being proud of what makes Canada unique. These changes are completely unnecessary. There is no pressing need for them whatsoever. You should have put more effort into proudly marketing the Canadian game instead of imitating aspects of the American game.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 22, 2025.

The Canadian Press