Are CFL changes ‘Americanizing’ our game?

October 13, 2025

key points from this story:

• Field length shortened to 100 yards
• Goalposts moved to rear of end zone
• End zones reduced to 15 yards deep
• Rouge rule modified for scoring
• Three-down system and waggle unchanged
• Mixed reaction from players and fans

It didn’t take new Canadian Football League commissioner Stewart Johnson long to become a household name among football fans north of the border. Named as commissioner only five months ago, Johnson announced a series of significant logistical and rule changes to the league, some of which will take effect in 2026 and others in 2027. Among the changes are a reduction in the length of the CFL field from 110 yards to 100 (same as the National Football League), moving the goalposts to the rear of the end zone instead of at the goal line (same as the NFL) and a reduced end zone, from 20 yards to 15 yards (the NFL’s end zones are 10 yards deep). Another change involves the rouge, a single point unique to the Canadian game. No longer will a single point be awarded for punting the ball through the end zone or by missing a field goal and having the ball sail into the stands. Teams will still get credit for a single point, however, if the punted ball or missed field goal winds up within the boundaries of the end zone, and the returning player is unable to get it back into the field of play.