Football

Singer Teagan Littlechief stands for a photograph in front of Mosaic Stadium in Regina, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022. Littlechief will be singing the national anthem in the languages of Cree, English, and French at the 109th Grey Cup game. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu

‘Break a barrier’: Indigenous artist to sing part of O Canada in Cree at Grey Cup

Teagan Littlechief to perform national anthem in three languages — English, French and Cree

Singer Teagan Littlechief stands for a photograph in front of Mosaic Stadium in Regina, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022. Littlechief will be singing the national anthem in the languages of Cree, English, and French at the 109th Grey Cup game. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu
BC Lions’ quarterback Vernon Adams (8), Bryan Burnham (16) and Alexander Hollins (13) comfort eachother after losing to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL western final in Winnipeg, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

THE MOJ: Pretty safe bet the B.C. Lions will be expecting more than 5 1/2 wins next year

Checking their egos at the door made for a surprising and satisfying year in B.C. Place

BC Lions’ quarterback Vernon Adams (8), Bryan Burnham (16) and Alexander Hollins (13) comfort eachother after losing to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL western final in Winnipeg, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods
Former Vancouver Canucks linemates Todd Bertuzzi, from left, Brendan Morrison and Markus Naslund, of Sweden, are honoured during a ceremony before the Vancouver Canucks and Buffalo Sabres play an NHL hockey game in Vancouver, B.C., on Monday December 7, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

THE MOJ: B.C. still has a special place in the heart of Brendan Morrison

Former Canuck centre has stayed busy since his NHL career came to a close in 2012

Former Vancouver Canucks linemates Todd Bertuzzi, from left, Brendan Morrison and Markus Naslund, of Sweden, are honoured during a ceremony before the Vancouver Canucks and Buffalo Sabres play an NHL hockey game in Vancouver, B.C., on Monday December 7, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) reacts toward fans after an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Ariz., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022. (AP Photo/Matt York)

THE MOJ: These are interesting times to be a B.C. sports fan

Lions, Seahawks riding high as the Canucks roil in despair

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) reacts toward fans after an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Ariz., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022. (AP Photo/Matt York)
B.C. Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke looks downfield during second half CFL football action against the Calgary Stampeders in Calgary, Saturday Aug. 13, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Larry MacDougal

QB Rourke ready as Lions prepare to host Stampeders in western semifinal

B.C. will make its first post-season appearance since 2018 on Sunday

B.C. Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke looks downfield during second half CFL football action against the Calgary Stampeders in Calgary, Saturday Aug. 13, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Larry MacDougal
The Grey Cup trophy sits on display before a B.C. Lions news conference where the Canadian Football League team was announced as hosts of 2024 Grey Cup, in Vancouver, on Thursday, November 3, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

THE MOJ: Grey Cup latest step in Doman’s bid to reconnect B.C. with the Lions

Lions owner is a man on a mission with the vision to get things done

The Grey Cup trophy sits on display before a B.C. Lions news conference where the Canadian Football League team was announced as hosts of 2024 Grey Cup, in Vancouver, on Thursday, November 3, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
BC Lions quarterback Vernon Adams, right, throws the ball as Calgary Stampeders defensive lineman Shawn Lemon closes in during second half CFL football action in Calgary, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Calgary Stampeders prep for B.C. Lions, West semifinal

‘This is going to be one of the best matchups of the year’

BC Lions quarterback Vernon Adams, right, throws the ball as Calgary Stampeders defensive lineman Shawn Lemon closes in during second half CFL football action in Calgary, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Winnipeg Blue Bombers celebrate their Grey Cup win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at a Grey Cup celebration at their stadium in Winnipeg on Wednesday, December 15, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

Vancouver, B.C. Lions to host 2024 Grey Cup

Vancouver last hosted the Grey Cup in 2014 when Calgary downed Hamilton

Winnipeg Blue Bombers celebrate their Grey Cup win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at a Grey Cup celebration at their stadium in Winnipeg on Wednesday, December 15, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods
Abbotsford’s Chase Claypool has been traded to the Chicago Bears. (NFL photo)

Abbotsford’s Chase Claypool traded to the Chicago Bears

Pittsburgh Steelers trade Abbotsford Senior Secondary School grad for a second round draft pick

Abbotsford’s Chase Claypool has been traded to the Chicago Bears. (NFL photo)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady celebrates with his wife Gisele Bundchen and children after the NFL Super Bowl 55 football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. The Buccaneers defeated the Chiefs 31-9 to win the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Tom Brady, Gisele Bündchen announce divorce after 13 years

News comes just months after the 7-time Super Bowl champion put an end to his short-lived retirement

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady celebrates with his wife Gisele Bundchen and children after the NFL Super Bowl 55 football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. The Buccaneers defeated the Chiefs 31-9 to win the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Arizona Cardinals running back Keaontay Ingram (30) celebrate his touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Nielsen, Amazon Prime spar over who really watches football

Amazon has reported higher ratings for its broadcast than the ratings service has every week

Arizona Cardinals running back Keaontay Ingram (30) celebrate his touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
B.C. Lions players celebrate a touchdown against the Edmonton Elks during first half CFL action in Edmonton, Alta., on Friday October 21, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson.

B.C. Lions beat Edmonton Elks 31-14, clinch home field for semifinals

Leos will host their first CFL playoff game since 2016

B.C. Lions players celebrate a touchdown against the Edmonton Elks during first half CFL action in Edmonton, Alta., on Friday October 21, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Dalton Schoen (83) is tackled by B.C. Lions' Delvin Breaux Sr. (23) after making a reception during the second half of CFL football game in Vancouver, on Saturday, July 9, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

THE MOJ: Lions path to clinching 2nd place not as tough as you might think

Winnipeg will be relaxed, resting starters and less focused for two remaining tilts

Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Dalton Schoen (83) is tackled by B.C. Lions' Delvin Breaux Sr. (23) after making a reception during the second half of CFL football game in Vancouver, on Saturday, July 9, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith reacts after his 8-yard touchdown run during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

THE MOJ: Don’t be surprised if Geno Smith keeps the Seahawks soaring

Many factors allowing former journeyman to shine in starter’s role

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith reacts after his 8-yard touchdown run during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
(courtesy B.C. Lions)

THE MOJ: A Rourke return for the Lions? Let’s call it a long shot with a shot

Still a faint hope that B.C.’s quarterback sensation could be back in time for the playoffs

(courtesy B.C. Lions)
BC Lions quarterback Vernon Adams, left, hands the ball off to running back James Butler during first half CFL football action against the Calgary Stampeders in Calgary, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

James Butler scores 2 rushing touchdowns, B.C. Lions edge Calgary 31-29 in OT

Leos (9-3) maintain hold on second place in CFL’s West Division

BC Lions quarterback Vernon Adams, left, hands the ball off to running back James Butler during first half CFL football action against the Calgary Stampeders in Calgary, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
B.C. Lions fullback David Mackie (34) protects the ball from Montreal Alouettes running back Jeshrun Antwi (20) during first half CFL football action in Montreal on Friday, September 9, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter McCabe
B.C. Lions fullback David Mackie (34) protects the ball from Montreal Alouettes running back Jeshrun Antwi (20) during first half CFL football action in Montreal on Friday, September 9, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter McCabe
Montreal Alouettes quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. runs with the ball against the Ottawa Redblacks during second half CFL football action in Montreal, Monday, October 11, 2021. Adams Jr. sees opportunity with the B.C. Lions, the team he joined via a trade last week. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

Move to Lions from Alouettes ‘bittersweet’ for QB Vernon Adams Jr.

The Lions were looking for help after their quarterback and backup suffered injuries

Montreal Alouettes quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. runs with the ball against the Ottawa Redblacks during second half CFL football action in Montreal, Monday, October 11, 2021. Adams Jr. sees opportunity with the B.C. Lions, the team he joined via a trade last week. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
Montreal Alouettes quarterback Vernon Adams Jr.runs with the ball against the Ottawa Redblacks during second half CFL football action in Montreal, Monday, October 11, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

B.C. Lions acquire veteran quarterback Adams from Montreal Alouettes

The B.C. Lions acquired veteran quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. from the Montreal…

Montreal Alouettes quarterback Vernon Adams Jr.runs with the ball against the Ottawa Redblacks during second half CFL football action in Montreal, Monday, October 11, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
The Abbotsford-based BC Angels crashed onto the local sports scene in 2012, but never returned. (John Morrow/Abbotsford News)

A League of Their Own: Looking back a decade later at Abbotsford’s BC Angels lingerie football team

Former Lingerie Football League figures reflect on short-lived, titillating ride in the Bible Belt

The Abbotsford-based BC Angels crashed onto the local sports scene in 2012, but never returned. (John Morrow/Abbotsford News)