Top 3 former NFL players dominating CFL (2025)

Top 3 Former NFL Players Dominating the CFL in 2025

The Canadian Football League (CFL) has long been a proving ground for talent from across North America, and the 2025 season is no exception. This year, several former NFL stars have made a huge impact on the gridiron north of the border, showing that their skills and experience translate seamlessly to the CFL. Here are three former NFL players who are currently dominating the league.

1. Johnny Manziel – Quarterback, Montreal Alouettes
Once an electrifying presence in the NFL, Johnny Manziel has found new life in the CFL. Playing under a high-octane offense in Montreal, the former Heisman Trophy winner has thrown for over 3,500 yards this season, leading the Alouettes to the top of the East Division. Manziel’s ability to extend plays with his legs and make pinpoint throws under pressure has made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opposing defenses. His experience in high-pressure NFL situations has translated perfectly to the Canadian game, where his decision-making and improvisation are key assets.

2. Ricky Seals-Jones – Tight End, Toronto Argonauts
Ricky Seals-Jones has quickly become one of the most dominant pass-catching threats in the CFL. After bouncing around several NFL teams, the athletic tight end has reinvented himself in Toronto, where he leads the league in receiving touchdowns among tight ends. His size, speed, and hands make him virtually unstoppable in red-zone situations, and his chemistry with the Argonauts’ quarterback has been evident in clutch games. Seals-Jones is proving that his NFL experience has given him the tools to read defenses and find openings in the CFL’s wider field.

3. Martavis Bryant – Wide Receiver, Calgary Stampeders
Martavis Bryant’s move to Calgary has reinvigorated his career. The former NFL wideout brings elite speed, route-running, and deep-threat ability that has left CFL defenders scrambling. In 2025, Bryant has already racked up over 1,200 receiving yards and has been a major factor in the Stampeders’ high-scoring offense. His knack for making big plays in crucial moments is reminiscent of his NFL days, but the larger CFL field and motion rules allow him to exploit defenses even further.

Honorable Mentions:
Other former NFL players, including linebacker Nate Orchard with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and kicker Justin Tucker’s CFL counterpart (who trained in the NFL), have also made their mark this season. However, the three players above have not only adapted but thrived, becoming the faces of CFL skill and athleticism.

Why NFL Experience Matters in the CFL
The CFL’s faster-paced, wide-field style rewards players who are adaptable and have experience at the highest level. NFL veterans bring a level of preparation, professionalism, and football IQ that can elevate their CFL teams almost immediately. The likes of Manziel, Seals-Jones, and Bryant have shown that success north of the border is about more than raw talent—it’s about adjusting to new rules, new teammates, and a slightly different style of play.

As the 2025 season heads toward the playoffs, all eyes will be on these former NFL stars to see if they can lead their teams to Grey Cup glory. One thing is certain: the CFL is richer for their presence, and fans are getting a front-row seat to some incredible football.