Expert: Michael B - 3/8/2011

Question
QUESTION: My name is Matt Wilson and I currently play semi pro football in the united states and have a few questions for you. 1)Do players need to be coming out of college to be elgible for the CFL draft like they do for the NFL draft? 2)I was also wondering how much the average players salary normally is or atleast the league minimum? 3) do you think the best bet for me would be just to participate in team tryouts?

ANSWER: Hi Matt,

1. No.  Having said that, it's very rare that non-college players are drafted.  You have a better chance of being picked up at a free-agent camp.
2. For 2011 it's $43,000 CDN, going up to $45,000 in 2013.  The pension contribution is $3,400 (up to $3,600 in 2013) and they've "improved player benefits".
3. Yes.  Open tryouts are being held by many teams right now.  Find a location near you and attend.  There is typically a $100 US registration fee.  To find the locations, go to the CFL website at www.cfl.ca and follow the links to the individual teams.  Each team holds its own free-agent tryouts for American players.

Good luck!

Michael

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you, and a couple more things...do CFL players get a contract for a certain amount of years like the NFL? and would I have to hire an agent before I try out?

Answer
I'm not sure I understand your follow up question.  CFL players sign for any term length they agree to with the team.  There are no guaranteed contracts though.  

You do not need an agent to try out.  Heck, you don't even need one to sign with a team. :)

Michael