Montreal receiver Tyson Philpot and Edmonton cornerback Tyrell Ford will be a key head-to-head as the Alouettes face the Elks in the Grey Cup on Sunday in Calgary.
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A Grey Cup matchup on Sunday in Calgary features an intriguing duel between Montreal Alouettes receiver Tyson Philpot and Edmonton Elks cornerback Tyrell Ford, with both players drawing praise for what they bring to the game.
Ford, who said Thursday during Grey Cup Media Day that he is “excited” for the matchup, finished the regular season with a CFL-leading seven interceptions and added that he plans to focus on his job while defending Philpot. “First, we've got to make sure when he does catch it to tackle him,” Ford said. “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, a Delta, B.C., native, enjoyed a record-breaking 2026 season that saw him lead the CFL in catches (124), receiving yards (1,809) and yards after catch (750). He also finished tied with teammate Tyler Snead in touchdown receptions (13 each), and his totals included single-season league marks for receptions and yards by a Canadian.
While Ford suggested the matchup is one he is looking forward to, both players acknowledged that they will not be lined up directly against each other for every snap. Ford noted that game situations and offensive and defensive play calls will determine where players end up on the field, but that there will still be times when the two go head-to-head.
The matchup comes with additional context in how the players’ careers have intersected. Philpot said he and Ford go back to the 2022 CFL combine, where Ford posted the fastest 40-yard dash time of 4.42 seconds, and that he remembers seeing Ford in one-on-one drills. “It’s been truly a cool honour to watch him progress and for me to progress. What better stage than to get a Canadian matchup in the Grey Cup?” Philpot said.
Philpot also pointed to Ford’s track record, saying the cornerback has “lead the CFL in interceptions twice in the last three years for no good reason,” and Ford referenced his own ball skills, saying, “I think I've just got an eye for the ball when he (quarterback) throws it. I think I play with good vision.” He added that his total could have been higher this season, saying, “I had seven this year, I probably should've had 13.”
Beyond their individual matchup, the teams’ statistical profiles set the stage for how each side approaches the game. Montreal led the CFL in offensive touchdowns (65), net offence (420.9 yards per game) and was tied for the top in 30-yard completions (38) and passing touchdowns (39). Edmonton’s defence ranked first in fewest offensive points allowed (23.6), net offence allowed (338.6 yards) and yards per play allowed (6.34), and was tied for fewest offensive touchdowns allowed (44).
Ford and Philpot both referenced how film study and respect play a role for players who know what the other can do. Ford said Alexander is a “good leader,” while also noting that Montreal’s offence can be difficult to plan against because of play-calling variety. Montreal’s offence, led by quarterback Davis Alexander, included a season that saw Alexander throw for 5,257 yards and a league-high 35 TDs.
Edmonton also carried recent results into the Grey Cup build-up. Ford referenced last week’s West Division final, when Edmonton held B.C. to 16 points in a 28-16 win. He also noted that two of his interceptions came in Edmonton’s 48-30 loss to Montreal in August, while Philpot said the Alouettes took notice of Ford’s speed.
In closing his comments on the matchup, Philpot said, “There's a respect there but we're both athletes, we're both ballers and let the best man win Sunday.”
Edmonton’s cornerback and Montreal’s receiver are both part of a family connection to the CFL, as each has a twin brother in the league. Philpot’s twin, Jalen Philpot, is a receiver with the Calgary Stampeders, while Ford’s twin, Tre Ford, is a quarterback with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
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