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NFL Way to Play

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The NFL Canada Way to Play Award is a national initiative that shines a spotlight on high school-aged football players across the country who demonstrate exceptional playing technique and a commitment to safe, effective football. Launched in 2021, the program was developed to reinforce the importance of proper fundamentals at the grassroots level while celebrating the next generation of Canadian football talent.

Over the course of 10 weeks during the regular NFL season, one outstanding player is selected each week by a panel of experts from the NFL Canada Football Development Committee. These recipients exemplify the values of smart, skillful play—making an impact on the field while prioritizing safety and sportsmanship.

Each honouree is celebrated with a feature on TSN.ca and highlighted during a special segment on the NFL on CTV broadcast every Sunday. As part of the award, the athlete's high school also receives a $3,000 equipment grant through Football Canada, further supporting the growth of the game at the community level.

Since its inception, the Way to Play Award has recognized over 40 athletes and has contributed more than $120,000 in equipment grants to high schools across Canada.

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Interested in submitting a player for the award? Nominations for 2025 are now open!

Nominate Now
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NFL Canada is proud to recognize the high school athletes who exemplified outstanding technique, dedication, and sportsmanship during the 10-week regular season. Each week, one player was selected by our Football Development Committee and featured on TSN.ca and during NFL game broadcasts on CTV, in addition to earning a $3,000 equipment grant for their school.
Meet the Winners
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Davis Sanchez

Davis Sanchez

NFL and CFL game analyst on TSN, Three-time Grey Cup Champion

Mike Thomas

Mike Thomas

Director of Operations, Football Saskatchewan and League Convenor, RYFFL

Aaron Geisler

Aaron Geisler

Executive Director, Football Ontario

Mark Harrison

Mark Harrison

High School Football Coach

Gord Grace

Gord Grace

President, Ontario University Athletics (OUA)

Karen Ouellette

Karen Ouellette

Executive Director, Football Nova Scotia

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How long is the NFL Canada Way to Play Award program?

The NFL Canada Way to Play Youth Award is a 10-week long initiative that takes place during the regular season from Week 2 to Week 11.

How do I submit a nomination?

Nominate a high school football player for the NFL Canada Way to Play Award through our official submission form. Players or their supporters are asked to submit videos of plays demonstrating proper tackling, blocking, footwork, discipline or vision. Each week during the season, one submitted video will be chosen and featured on TSN.ca and in a special segment during the NFL broadcast on CTV live. To further honour the achievement, the high school of each award recipient will receive a $3,000 equipment grant through Football Canada.

What is the age requirement for nominees?

Eligible nominees for the NFL Canada Way to Play Award must be high school football players who are no older than 18 years of age.

Who selects the NFL Canada Way to Play Award recipient?

The winner will be selected by a panel of six representatives from the NFL Canada Football Development Committee. More information about the committee is detailed in the above section.

What criteria is used to select the NFL Canada Way to Play Award recipient?

The NFL Canada Football Development Committee will select the player who demonstrates the most positive impact on the game through proper technique, including tackling, blocking, footwork, discipline, and vision.

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