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When the Montreal Alouettes face the Edmonton Elks in the Grey Cup on Sunday, one of the most compelling individual battles on the field will be between Alouettes receiver Tyson Philpot and Elks cornerback Tyrell Ford. Philpot led the CFL in receiving this season and earned top Canadian honours, while Ford finished as the league’s interception leader. Both players are eager for the matchup.
Two Elite Players, One Big Stage
Philpot, 26, from Delta, B.C., had a record-breaking 2026 campaign. He led the CFL in catches (124), receiving yards (1,809) and yards after catch (750). He also tied teammate Tyler Snead with 13 touchdown receptions. In doing so, Philpot set single-season CFL records for receptions and receiving yards by a Canadian player.
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Ford, 28, from Niagara Falls, Ont., recorded a CFL-leading seven interceptions this season. He also led the league with seven interceptions in 2024 while playing for Winnipeg. Over the past three CFL seasons combined, Ford has totalled 16 interceptions. “I think I’ve just got an eye for the ball when the quarterback throws it,” Ford said at Grey Cup Media Day on Thursday.
Ford openly praised his upcoming opponent. “I do think he’s the best receiver in the league right now, and so it’s a matchup I’m excited for,” he said. He added that containing Philpot after the catch is a key priority. “He’s really elusive with the ball in his hands. I think that’s one of the biggest aspects of him being a playmaker.”
Philpot, meanwhile, showed equal respect for Ford. “Tyrell is athletic, he’s fast and his IQ is very good too,” Philpot said. “He hasn’t led the CFL in interceptions twice in the last three years for no good reason. I have tremendous respect for that, but we’re not going to shy away because of it.”
A Rivalry With History
The two players actually go back several years. Both took part in the 2022 CFL combine, where Ford posted the fastest 40-yard dash time of 4.42 seconds. “I remember doing one-on-ones against him,” Philpot said. “He got me a couple of reps, I got him a couple of reps. What better stage than to get a Canadian matchup in the Grey Cup?”
Beyond their personal duel, both players have twin brothers in the CFL. Jalen Philpot plays receiver for the Calgary Stampeders, while Tre Ford serves as quarterback for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Offence vs. Defence: A Team Battle Too
The broader team matchup is equally compelling. Montreal led the CFL in offensive touchdowns (65) and net offence (420.9 yards per game). Edmonton’s defence, however, ranked first in fewest points allowed (23.6 per game), fewest net offensive yards allowed (338.6) and yards per play allowed (6.34).
Montreal’s offence is directed by quarterback Davis Alexander, the CFL’s outstanding player this season. Alexander threw for 5,257 yards and a league-high 35 touchdowns. Ford acknowledged Alexander’s talent. “He’s definitely a good leader for them,” Ford said. “Their offensive coordinator Anthony Calvillo is a very good coach. They have a tricky offence.”
Ford noted that Edmonton held B.C. to 16 points in the West Division final the previous week. “We’ve just got to believe in what our coaches are coaching,” he said, “and I think we’ll be OK.”
