Major boost for Hamilton as Isaiah Wooden Sr. seals Tiger-Cats return following NFL stint

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have pulled off a major reunion by bringing back explosive return specialist Isaiah Wooden Sr.following his short-lived NFL spell with the Cleveland Browns.

To make room for the 26-year-old’s return, Hamilton made the tough decision to move on from veteran returner Mario Alford. Wooden had signed with Cleveland back in January in pursuit of an NFL opportunity, but after being waived on May 19, the door quickly reopened for a return to familiar surroundings.

Hamilton’s front office wasted little time welcoming him back, with president of football operations Orlondo Steinauerdescribing Wooden as a game-breaking athlete who already understands the team’s standards and culture while adding another dangerous weapon to the roster.

The excitement around his return is easy to understand.

Across the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Wooden established himself as one of the CFL’s most electric return men. In just 15 appearances for the Tiger-Cats, he piled up over 1,100 kickoff return yards and scored twice, while also producing more than 500 punt return yards and another touchdown. Last season, he topped the league in punt return average and ranked near the very top in kickoff returns, cementing himself as one of the CFL’s most dangerous special teams threats.

Head coach Scott Milanovich also praised Wooden’s impact, describing him as not only an elite returner but also an outstanding teammate. Milanovich suggested the speedster has only scratched the surface of his potential and believes there is still much more to come from him in Hamilton colours.

Before making his mark with the Tiger-Cats, Wooden also spent time with the Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Chargers, and BC Lions as he chased opportunities at the professional level.

For Hamilton fans, though, one thing is clear — one of the CFL’s most exciting return threats is officially back.