Ottawa Loses a CFL Legend at Kicker
Ottawa Redblacks fans woke up to some surprising roster news this week — the team has officially released longtime kicker Lewis Ward, closing a chapter on one of the most decorated special teams careers the CFL has ever seen.
Ward was not just a Redblack — he was a symbol of consistency in a franchise that has seen plenty of turbulence. During his tenure with Ottawa, he set the all-time CFL record for consecutive successful field goals, a streak that captured the attention of football fans from coast to coast and put the Redblacks on the map for something other than their ups-and-downs in the standings.
A Record-Breaking Run in the Nation's Capital
It's hard to overstate what Ward meant to special teams football in Ottawa. His record-breaking streak — which stretched across multiple seasons — became something Redblacks fans clung to during difficult years. Whether the offence was clicking or struggling, Ward was the one constant: line him up inside 50 yards, and you could almost bank on the three points.
His career in Ottawa spanned years of roster rebuilds, head coaching changes, and the franchise's ongoing effort to recapture the magic of its 2016 Grey Cup championship. Through all of it, Ward showed up and did his job with remarkable precision.
What's Next for the Redblacks
With Ward now a free agent, the Redblacks will need to address the kicker position heading into the upcoming CFL season. Ottawa's front office has been reshaping the roster in recent months, and this move signals a clear intent to turn the page — even on beloved veterans — as the organization pursues its next competitive window.
For Ottawa football fans, it raises an obvious question: who fills the void? Finding a kicker of Ward's reliability is no small task in the CFL, where special teams swings can easily be the difference between a win and a loss in a tight game. Ottawa will be counting on scouts and the coaching staff to identify a capable replacement before the regular season kicks off.
A Fond Farewell from Redblacks Nation
Social media quickly filled with tributes from Ottawa fans who remembered Ward's highlight-reel streak and his steady presence on game days at TD Place. For a fanbase that's had its share of heartbreak, watching Ward split the uprights game after game was one of the genuine pleasures of following this team.
Ward hasn't announced his next steps, but a kicker of his calibre and track record won't be without options for long. Whether he resurfaces with another CFL squad or hangs up the cleats, his legacy in Ottawa is secure.
For the Redblacks, the work now begins to find their next reliable boot — and to prove that this roster shakeup is all part of a plan to bring winning football back to the nation's capital.
Source: TSN via Google News
