A New Era for the Edmonton Elks: Tre Ford Takes the Reins
The Edmonton Elks, a Canadian Football League (CFL) team striving to reclaim their former glory, have made a significant move by extending the contract of Canadian quarterback Tre Ford through the 2027 season. This commitment, coupled with the organization’s declaration of Ford as the team’s prospective starting quarterback, marks a pivotal moment in the Elks’ rebuilding process. The team’s management expresses unwavering confidence in Ford’s potential, viewing him as the cornerstone of their future success. This decision represents a clear shift in direction for the Elks, who are placing their faith in a young, dynamic quarterback to lead them back to competitiveness.
Ford’s journey with the Elks has been marked by glimpses of brilliance amidst a backdrop of team struggles. Since being drafted eighth overall in the 2022 CFL Draft, he has showcased his athleticism and electrifying style of play, earning accolades for his ability to evade tackles and make plays. However, his opportunities have been limited due to the presence of veteran quarterbacks ahead of him on the depth chart, including McLeod Bethel-Thompson and Taylor Cornelius. Now, with a new coaching staff and management team in place, Ford has been given the keys to the offense, signaling a new era for the Elks.
The Elks’ decision to invest in Ford signifies their belief in his ability to elevate the team’s performance and bring a renewed sense of excitement to the fanbase. His 2024 season provided a compelling preview of his potential, as he led the team to a 3-1 record in his four starts. Ford amassed 1,137 passing yards, throwing for 10 touchdowns while only surrendering five interceptions. He also added 206 rushing yards, demonstrating his dual-threat capabilities. This performance, albeit in a limited sample size, offered a glimpse of the promise Ford holds. His previous season, in 2023, saw him start 10 games, achieving a 4-6 record.
The Edmonton Elks have faced significant challenges in recent years, both on and off the field. A dismal 22-game home losing streak between 2019 and 2023 cast a shadow over the franchise, contributing to a decline in attendance. The team’s struggles culminated in the closure of the upper bowl of Commonwealth Stadium to fans ahead of the 2024 season, a stark reminder of the team’s dwindling support. The organization is hoping that Ford’s dynamic play and leadership will reinvigorate the fanbase and bring back the excitement that has been missing for several seasons.
The announcement of Ford’s contract extension comes amid a period of significant transformation for the Elks organization. The team has undergone a complete overhaul of its leadership, starting with the appointment of Chris Morris as the new president and CEO earlier in the year. This was followed by Larry Thompson taking ownership of the team in August, signaling a new era of financial stability and strategic direction. More recently, Ed Hervey was named the club’s new general manager, tasked with rebuilding the roster and establishing a winning culture. Just four days prior to Ford’s contract announcement, Mark Kilam was appointed as the Elks’ new head coach, bringing a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of optimism to the team.
The confluence of these changes—new ownership, new management, a new coaching staff, and a young quarterback poised to take the reins—creates a sense of anticipation and hope for the Edmonton Elks. The team is betting on Tre Ford to be the catalyst for their resurgence, leading them back to playoff contention and restoring the pride and passion of their fanbase. The Elks are scheduling a news conference to formally introduce Ford as the face of their franchise, symbolizing their commitment to building a winning team around their young quarterback. The event will feature Ford, Hervey, and Kilam, all united in their vision for the future of the Elks. This public display of support underscores the organization’s belief in Ford and their dedication to providing him with the resources and environment he needs to succeed.
