Tre and Tyrell Ford’s unversity coach pleased to see brothers reunited in Edmonton

Reuniting on the Gridiron: The Ford Brothers’ Journey Back to CFL Stardom

The gridiron has always been a special place for twin brothers Tre and Tyrell Ford, and their recent reunion with the Edmonton Elks has brought their football journey full circle. After spending years apart, the brothers are once again teammates, a development that has brought joy to their long-time coach, Chris Bertoia. Bertoia, who coached the twins during their time at the University of Waterloo, couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments. “Good on Edmonton for signing them both and getting them back together,” Bertoia said. “I think it’s something that’s certainly a dream of theirs to play professionally together.” The reunion is a testament to the hard work and determination that have defined their careers.

Rising Stars at the University of Waterloo

The Ford brothers first made their mark on the football field during their time at the University of Waterloo, where they were key players for the Warriors. Tre Ford, the quarterback, quickly emerged as a standout talent, earning the title of Canadian university football’s top rookie in 2017. By 2018, he became the team’s starting quarterback, leading the Warriors to their first playoff appearance since 2003. A year later, he guided the team to their first post-season victory since 1999. Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, which canceled the 2020 season, Tre returned stronger than ever, capturing the 2021 Hec Crighton Trophy as the outstanding player in Canadian university football. He also received the Lois and Doug Mitchell award as U Sports’ top male athlete for 2021-22, cementing his legacy as one of the best to ever play at Waterloo.

Tyrell Ford, on the other hand, excelled as a cornerback, earning second-team all-Canadian honors in both 2019 and 2021. Over four seasons, he appeared in 30 games, registering 94 tackles, six sacks, and six interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. He was also a standout on special teams, returning 40 kickoffs for 733 yards and 82 punts for 1,139 yards, with three touchdowns. His versatility and talent made him a valuable asset to the Warriors, and his contributions on both defense and special teams were instrumental in the team’s success during his time there.

Taking the CFL by Storm

After their stellar college careers, both Ford brothers made their way to the Canadian Football League (CFL), where they quickly established themselves as rising stars. Tre Ford was drafted by the Edmonton Elks in the first round, 8th overall, in the 2022 CFL draft and signed a three-year deal to remain with the team. Despite initial challenges, including being behind several experienced quarterbacks on the depth chart, Tre has now emerged as the starter and face of the franchise, with 18 career starts under his belt. His 9-9 record over 38 regular-season games is a testament to his growth and determination.

Tyrell Ford, meanwhile, was drafted by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the second round, 13th overall, in the same 2022 CFL draft. He made an immediate impact, earning CFL all-star honors in 2022 after a stellar season that saw him record 51 tackles and seven interceptions. His performance helped the Blue Bombers reach the Grey Cup for a fifth consecutive year, and he received high praise from Pro Football Focus, an American-based sports analytics company, which gave him the league’s best defensive (91.8) and coverage (92.0) grades. After being released by the Blue Bombers in January 2023 to pursue an opportunity with the NFL’s Green Bay Packers, Tyrell returned to the CFL and signed with the Edmonton Elks, reuniting him with his twin brother.

A Coach’s Perspective: The Ford Brothers’ Unique Bond

Chris Bertoia, the head football coach at the University of Waterloo since 2015, has had a front-row seat to the Ford brothers’ journey. He has known them since their high school days and has watched them grow into the talented athletes they are today. Bertoia has no trouble telling the twins apart, not just because of their physical differences—Tre has short hair, while Tyrell is more talkative and outgoing—but because of their distinct personalities. “Tre is pretty even keel, pretty serious,” Bertoia said. “Tyrell is a little bit more talkative, he’s loose while Tre is pretty even keel, pretty serious.” Despite their differences, both brothers share a relentless work ethic and strong leadership qualities that have been key to their success.

However, Bertoia also knows that the brothers have a mischievous side. “They certainly like to have fun and mess around,” he said. “They still mess around with me. The other day I was on the road and they got into my office somehow and took a picture of themselves sitting at my desk.” Their ability to balance hard work with a sense of humor has made them not only great players but also well-liked individuals both on and off the field. For Bertoia, their reunion in Edmonton is a special moment, not just because it brings back memories of their time at Waterloo but also because it allows him to watch them both play in the same game once again.

The Future of the Ford Brothers in Edmonton

The Ford brothers’ reunion with the Edmonton Elks is more than just a heartwarming story; it’s a testament to their commitment to excellence and their shared dream of playing professionally together. Both players have already made significant contributions to their team, with Tre leading the offense and Tyrell anchoring the defense. Their reunion is also a source of excitement for their fans, who get to see the twins perform in the same jersey once again. As the Elks look to build on their recent success, the Ford brothers will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the team’s future. Their story is one of perseverance, talent, and brotherly love, and it’s one that continues to inspire both on and off the field.