Is the CFL Screwing Canadian QBs?

[argos1873]

Has anyone read Frank Cosentino's book, A Passing Game, he went in to great detail on how the roster rules have evolved, into so much detail it was actually confusing. But he explains how due to the roster rules and why they came about, there is not a Canadian QB in the CFL. I'm sure everyone is aware that the current roster rules do not make it conducive to having a Canadian QB, due to the fact that a Canadian QB wouldn't count towards the National ratio. But in Frank's book, it explains how we got to this point. So how do we get back to a position where we can have a Canadian QB, and not return to the issues that got us to this point to begin with?

I'm sure the CFL coaches and GMs are aware that developing a Canadian QB would take time, and time being of the essence, takes away from winning immediately, which all coaches and GMs want, and are hired to do. But the league itself must be aware, that having Canadian QBs on teams rosters WILL generate more interest in the game. I know some fans will say they don't care, and just want to see the best talent on the field. I agree, but I also think that some of the great non-QB players in the league since Russ Jackson have been Canadians, and they would never have been given the chance if not for the roster rules and this has helped the game. Obviously the QB position is the most important position in football, but without giving a Canadian QB a chance, I think the league is hindering its growth potential. Let's put it this way, there would never have been a Russ Jackson, if Russ Jackson never had a legitimate chance at becoming a legitimate CFL QB. And I don't think that the Russ Jackson's died when Russ Jackson hung up his cleats.

[gilthethrill]

Has anyone read Frank Cosentino's book, A Passing Game, he went in to great detail on how the roster rules have evolved, into so much detail it was actually confusing. But he explains how due to the roster rules and why they came about, there is not a Canadian QB in the CFL. I'm sure everyone is aware that the current roster rules do not make it conducive to having a Canadian QB, due to the fact that a Canadian QB wouldn't count towards the National ratio. But in Frank's book, it explains how we got to this point. So how do we get back to a position where we can have a Canadian QB, and not return to the issues that got us to this point to begin with?

I'm sure the CFL coaches and GMs are aware that developing a Canadian QB would take time, and time being of the essence, takes away from winning immediately, which all coaches and GMs want, and are hired to do. But the league itself must be aware, that having Canadian QBs on teams rosters WILL generate more interest in the game. I know some fans will say they don't care, and just want to see the best talent on the field. I agree, but I also think that some of the great non-QB players in the league since Russ Jackson have been Canadians, and they would never have been given the chance if not for the roster rules and this has helped the game. Obviously the QB position is the most important position in football, but without giving a Canadian QB a chance, I think the league is hindering its growth potential. Let's put it this way, there would never have been a Russ Jackson, if Russ Jackson never had a legitimate chance at becoming a legitimate CFL QB. And I don't think that the Russ Jackson's died when Russ Jackson hung up his cleats.

I seem to recall Frank writing about Canadian QB Billy Robinson who was in Ottawa the same time as Clements and Holloway. If memory serves he mentions that Robinson outplayed them both in preseason in 75 but was released?

[paulwoods13]

But the league itself must be aware, that having Canadian QBs on teams rosters WILL generate more interest in the game.

By more interest, do you mean current fans will pay more attention, or non-fans will start paying attention? I think the former is likely true, the latter likely untrue.

[OV Argo]

By more interest, do you mean current fans will pay more attention, or non-fans will start paying attention? I think the former is likely true, the latter likely untrue.

I've heard from some big CIS football fans (or other Canadian amateur football fans), who basically despise the CFL and will have nothing to do with because of the favortism towards American players - with QBs obviously the glaring example. I think a CFL that featured more Canadian talent would attract some of those fans - but I also don't think it's a big number. However, it's still a step the CFL could take to attract some new fans - people who follow and have respect for amateur sport in the country and might like to see all the top Canadian talent (at all positions) get a shot to play in the pro league in their own country = too much to ask for I guess. The sports media could help a bit too - when a Chris Flynn type talent at QB wins multiple Hecs and leads his team to National title games - at least some of the Canadian sports media could have been featuring this player and the league he played in more in headlines and asking questions as to why the CFL would ignore him.

Canadian football needs to grow in support & interest at all levels - and IMO this could contribute to help feed more football interest across the board and make all levels/leagues more successful.

[argos1873]

By more interest, do you mean current fans will pay more attention, or non-fans will start paying attention? I think the former is likely true, the latter likely untrue.

Do you think a quality starting Canadian QB wouldn't interest Canadian football fans? I'm not sure if it will garner interest in non-Canadian Football fans. I think it might, but it would surely generate interest in people who are already Canadian football fans. And newsflash, not all of them attend games. And since the CFL is gate driven, more interest is good.

You know what, I don't care about when the Argos or any team express interest in some 3rd string QB from Alabama. It doesn't excite me. I do care when there is even a mention that there is a minute interest in a Canadian QB. I want there to be Canadian talent in this league. And I want a Canadian QB. So yes, I think it would garner interest if there were a Canadian QB, and I think the CFL should strive towards that. Stop being so short sighted, like the GMs and coaches in the CFL.

[paulwoods13]

Do you think a quality starting Canadian QB wouldn't interest Canadian football fans?

I said (in the comment you quoted) "I think the former (i.e. current fans will pay more attention) is likely true." So not sure why you are asking the question.

Stop being so short sighted, like the GMs and coaches in the CFL.

I prefer to debate ideas rather than have individuals called out for being "short sighted" and so on.