Nostalgia holds a potent allure, and it feels like I am intoxicated by reminiscence. In my well-informed and potentially debatable view, Henry “Gizmo” Williams delivered what I consider to be the most remarkable individual play in a championship football game during the 1987 Grey Cup.
Surpassing iconic moments like the Philly Special in Super Bowl LII and Rocket Ismail’s legendary run past the Calgary Stampeders in 1991, Williams’ feat stands out. As Toronto’s Lance Chomyk’s 46-yard field goal attempt veered wide right, Williams, a compact 5-foot-6 dynamo weighing 185 pounds of explosive muscle, seized the opportunity. Renowned as one of the greatest return specialists in the sport’s history, Williams scooped up the ball and embarked on a runback that officially measured 112 yards but appeared to span at least 150 yards on video.
This pivotal play, the first score in a game Edmonton would ultimately win 38-36, exemplifies the importance of speed beyond mere 40-yard dash times for skill players. Williams clocked impressive times of 10.2 and 20.8 seconds in college, underscoring his exceptional agility and acceleration.
Rather than opting for a touchback by taking a knee, which would have positioned his team at the 35-yard line as per Canadian football rules, Williams chose to showcase his exceptional abilities. He possessed the speed and agility to alter the game’s outcome dramatically.
This daring move resulted in a six-point swing in favor of Williams’ team, a crucial momentum shift in a closely contested match. Such sequences are uniquely Canadian, reflective of the unconventional spirit that characterizes football north of the border.
In a significant shift, the CFL will implement changes in 2027 that will reshape some of the distinct Canadian elements of the three-down game. These alterations include reducing the distance between goal lines to 100 yards from the current 110, shrinking end zones from 20 yards to 15, relocating goalposts to the back of the end zone, and eliminating the single point awarded for an unreturned missed field goal.
These bold adjustments aim to enhance the excitement of the game and attract new fans, crucial for a league where only two out of nine teams turned a profit in the previous season. While some may question the removal of the single point for missed field goals, I appreciate the unique aspects of Canadian football, such as the potential for coast-to-coast playmaking moments.
Despite the parallels drawn between the CFL and the NFL, it’s essential to acknowledge their inherent differences and the diverse challenges they face in terms of revenue growth and expanding their fan bases. While the NFL enjoys the luxury of aggressive revenue targets and global expansion opportunities, the CFL operates within a distinctly Canadian context.
Ultimately, the essence of football lies in its stop-and-start nature, providing ample room for advertising but also creating challenges in terms of viewer engagement. Both the NFL and college football have adapted their rules over time to enhance the viewing experience, reflecting the delicate balance between tradition and innovation in the sport.
The key takeaway remains the enduring popularity of football, as evidenced by the surge in viewership for college football and NFL games. While rule changes can enhance the on-field product, building a loyal fan base requires a strategic focus on marketing and brand positioning.
Despite its limitations compared to the NFL, the CFL continues to offer a platform for exceptional talent that may not fit the traditional NFL mold. By embracing its unique characteristics and history, the CFL can carve out its distinctive place in the football landscape, honoring its legacy while adapting to the evolving demands of the modern sports industry.
