End of an Era in Ottawa
Ottawa football fans woke up to bittersweet news this week as the Ottawa Redblacks announced they have released kicker Lewis Ward, parting ways with one of the most celebrated players in franchise history. The move came less than a month before the start of 2026 training camp, signalling a significant shift as the team heads into a new season.
The Redblacks were quick to honour Ward's legacy, calling him a franchise great in their official statement — a fitting tribute for a player who spent years making the near-impossible look routine from the kicking tee.
A Record-Breaking Legacy
Lewis Ward isn't just a Redblacks legend — he's a CFL legend. Ward set the all-time CFL record for consecutive successful field goals, a streak that became one of the most impressive individual records in professional football. His ice-cold composure under pressure made him a fan favourite at TD Place, where Ottawa crowds came to expect the three points almost as a matter of course.
Throughout his tenure with the Redblacks, Ward was a constant in a roster that saw plenty of change around him. While quarterbacks came and went and coaching staffs shifted, Ward remained the reliable heartbeat of Ottawa's special teams unit.
Why Now?
The timing of the release — just weeks before training camp opens — suggests the Redblacks are pivoting toward a new direction at the kicker position. Teams sometimes make these moves ahead of camp to give a younger or less expensive option a clear path to the starting role without the awkwardness of competing against a storied veteran.
The organization hasn't announced a replacement yet, but Ottawa fans will be watching closely to see who lines up for field goal attempts when the 2026 season kicks off.
What This Means for the Redblacks
Replacing Ward won't be simple. His consistency set a standard that will be difficult to match, and special teams can quietly make or break a CFL season. A missed field goal in a one-score game can swing a playoff race, and Ottawa's fanbase knows all too well how tight the East Division can be.
That said, the Redblacks front office has shown a willingness to make bold decisions in recent years, and if they're moving on from Ward, they likely have a plan in place.
Ottawa Says Thank You
Regardless of what comes next, Lewis Ward's place in Ottawa sports history is secure. Few players become synonymous with a franchise the way Ward did during his time with the Redblacks. He gave Ottawa fans countless moments of celebration and a record that may stand for decades.
Here's wishing Lewis Ward well in whatever comes next — and here's hoping whoever pulls on the kicking tee for Ottawa this season can live up to the standard he set.
Source: Ottawa Citizen — Ottawa Redblacks cut kicker Lewis Ward
