Chris Streveler Returns To Winnipeg

By Chris Lawton

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers announced the return of fan favourite Chris Streveler for the 2024 CFL season. (He of the famous 2019 Grey Cup parade celebrations).

It makes sense for the Bombers too. They just traded pending Free Agent QB Dru Brown to the Ottawa REDBLACKS who wasted no time in signing him. Which meant that Winnipeg wanted a solid backup for 2-time CFL MOP & 2-time Grey Cup Champion Zach Collaros.

This one two punch was a season-long element of what delivered Winnipeg’s 2019 Grey Cup victory. Little wonder then that Streveler found iconic status in Winnipeg. First by contributing to the team’s first title in 24 years, which at the time was the longest championship free run in the league. Then by his iconic celebrations.

While Streveler bounced around the NFL, making regular season appearances for the Cardinals and Jets, Winnipeg went to three more Grey Cup games winning one along the way. 

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Streveler returns to a backup role he is familiar with in the CFL. He stepped in for both Matt Nichols and Zach Collaros across 2018 & 2019 starting 12 games and throwing for 2,698 yards with 19 TD and 19 picks.

One of the best elements of Streveler’s game however is his ability to run. While in Winnipeg last time he ran for 1,167 yards and 22 touchdowns. Including going for a club record 726 yards rushing (by a QB) in 2019 as part of the Bombers championship run.

If Streveler can replicate that performance and come in for short yardage situations alongside Collaros and his accurate, touch passing, the Bombers O will take a lot more preparation for whoever is facing them.

With Collaros and Streveler tied up, the Blue Bombers will look at third string where Dakota Prukop, who was in that position remains a pending Free Agent. 

Whatever happens from here, it will be fun to see how familiar face fits back into the league, especially if his personality is allowed to shine through. 

Feature Image Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

CHRIS LAWTON

CFL ANALYST

Chris originally started following the NFL with the ‘first wave’ of fans when it was shown on Channel 4 in the 1980’s. He has been a keen supporter of the Miami Dolphins since 1983. Chris first encountered the CFL in 2016 and instantly fell in love with the Canadian game. He has been writing about the CFL 2017. Chris has a degree in history, postgraduate degree in librarianship and can be found on twitter as @CFLfanUK

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