Who Would Be On Canada's National Football Team

It's always a big deal when Team Canada is selected for any hockey tournament, all the national buzz about what players and coaches well represent Canada against the other nations. Obviously, Canada's No. 1 sport is hockey, but football is growing in popularity fast.

Numerous times I have read about the CFL having an All-Star game, one of the idea formats was Canada vs. USA. I loved this idea, the best Canadians in the CFL facing off against the best Americans.

It made me wonder what Canada's best team would compose of. Not just from the CFL, but the NFL as well.

What players would make up Canada's national football team? These are my picks.

Coach

Bellefeuille, the head coach of the Hamilton Tigercats, would be the coach of the team.

Quarterback

The only professional Canadian quarterback is Danny Brannagan of the Toronto Argonauts. Hopefully, he well get some more experience and become a starter or at least a backup in the CFL.

Since there isn't any other pro-QBs in the CFL, the backup would be Brad Sinopoli of the Ottawa Gee-Gees. He might only be in the CIS (Canadian college), but he is by far the best choice for backup.

Running Backs

A few years ago, the best Canadian running back would have been Jesse Lumsden, but now I have him backing up his teammate Jon Cornish of the Calgary Stampeders after his years of injury troubles. Jon Cornish had a great season this year, running for close to 900 yards.

Jerome Messam of the BC Lions would also make the team.

Fullbacks

Jon Oosterhuis of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers would be the starting fullback with Chris Szarka of the Saskatchewan Roughriders backing him up.

Recievers

This slide includes wide receivers and slot backs.

 

Andre Talbot, Edmonton Eskimos

Over 300 yards this past season.

 

Ben Cahoon, Montreal Alouettes

He might be from Utah, but if he can be considered a non-import I guess he counts.

 

Dave Stala, Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Another great season for this Hamilton-raised, Poland-born receiver. He's shown he's an elite receiver and has shown he can keep a football up...with his feet. 

 

Andy Fantuz, Saskatchewan Roughriders

Such a crowd favourite in Saskatchewan that he has his own cereal: Fantuz Flakes and also led the CFL in reception yards.

 

Chris Getzlaf, Saskatchewan Roughriders

Another Rider, Getzlaf (brother of the Anaheim Ducks' Ryan Getzlaf) is becoming quite the receiver with five TDs this season and close to 1,000 yards.

 

Eric Deslauriers, Montreal Alouettes

Montreal WR to take the last spot.

Centre

Marwan Hage of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats as the team's centre.

Tackle

Nick Kaczur of the New England Patriots, the first NFL-er on the team and Josh Bourke of the Montreal Alouettes would be at tackle.

Guard

Gene Makowsky of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the five-time CFL All-Star, and Scott Flory of the Montreal Alouettes.

Defensive Tackle

Israel Idonije of the Chicago Bears, the African-born and Manitoba-raised defensive tackle would be one of the best players on the entire defense.

Doug Brown of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and former Washington Redskin.

Keith Shologan of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Defensive End

Calgary Stampeders Mike Labinjo has spent the last three seasons in the CFL and has played over two years in the NFL.

Rick Foley of the Toronto Argonauts and Corey Mace of the Calgary Stampeders who has spent time as well in the NFL.

Linebacker

At linebacker, Jason Pottinger of the Toronto Argos, the second-overall pick in the 2006 draft, Pierre-Luc Labbé of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Shea Emery of the Montreal Alouettes.

Cornerbacks

Matt Black of the Toronto Argonauts

Paul Woldu, former U. of Saskatchewan Huskie, of the Montreal Alouettes.

Safety

NFL-er O.J. Atogwe (Oshiomogho Isaac Atogwe) of the St. Louis Rams at safety. He was selected in the third round of the NFL draft and even won the St. Louis Rams MVP award in 2008.

Defensive Back

Donavon Alexander of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Raymond Wladichuk of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats would be the team's defensive backs.

Punter

Regina native Jon Ryan of the Seattle Seahawks and former Winnipeg Blue Bomber would be the punter.

Kicker

Paul McCallum of the BC Lions would be the team's kicker. He is a 2010 CFL All-Star and has won a Grey Cup and even a World Bowl as a Scottish Claymore.