The Canadian Football League has announced the 5th annual Diversity in Football Program presented by Securian Canada participants. Each CFL Club will welcome one individual of diverse cultural background to their football operation department for a four week period.
In a statement – CFL Chief Revenue Offer Tyler Keenan said “Much like our country, the CFL and the Canadian football community fully support diverse viewpoints and experiences. Football is for everyone and its lessons of leadership and teamwork can impact anyone from every walk of life. Through this program, we can provide our participants with the opportunity to further their professional careers in the industry, and more importantly, to help better connect our sport with their communities,”
Several previous participants have been hired through the program including Current Ottawa REDBLACKS Assistant Special Teams and Quality Coach Nate Taylor (2022) and Edmonton Elks Running Back Coach Jabari Arthur (2023)
In a statement Nigel Branker, Chief Executive Officer, Securian Canada said .“Our partnership with the CFL is about building pathways and meaningfully advancing diversity across the league,” “This program provides an inclusive environment for the participants to enhance their skills and contribute to the growth of Canadian football. We are very proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Diversity in Football Program, and we wish every participant the best of luck and success.”
This years group is highlighted by Former CFL players Receivers Shaq Johnson (2016-2022), Bralon Addison (2018-2025), Defensive Back Joanthan Rose (2016-2021)
DIVERSITY IN FOOTBALL PROGRAM PRESENTED BY SECURIAN CANADA – 2026 PARTICIPANTS
- Montréal Alouette | Micah Brown | Coaching | Sherbrooke, Que.
- Ottawa REDBLACKS | Jonathan Rose | Coaching | Ottawa
- Toronto Argonauts | Leroy Ackom | Video | Mississauga, Ont.
- Hamilton Tiger-Cats | Myles Manalo | Special Teams, Ops and Personnel | Burlington, Ont.
- Winnipeg Blue Bombers | Bralon Addison | Coaching | Ottawa
- Saskatchewan Roughriders | Mary Adarkwa | Strength and Conditioning | Malton, Ont.
- Calgary Stampeders | Shaq Johnson | Coaching | Brampton
- Edmonton Elks | Jacob Nandan | Strength and Conditioning | Brampton, Ont.
- BC Lions | Marianne de Vera | Athletic Therapy | Brampton, Ont.
You can find out more information regarding the Diversity in Football Program Here