Toronto – The Canadian Football Hall of Fame & Museum’s Class of 2023 is highlighted by current CFLPA President Solomon Elimimian, as well as former CFLPA executive members John Bowman and Josh Bourke.
All three will be inducted into the Player category for on-field excellence. Elimimian and Bowman are both first-year eligible inductees.
“On behalf of the entire CFLPA membership, it is my sincere privilege to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Solomon, John and Josh on this truly remarkable achievement,” said Brian Ramsay, CFLPA Executive Director. “They were all extraordinary competitors on the field and we are so very grateful for the time they committed, and continue to give, to improving the lives and working conditions for all players during their Hall of Fame-worthy playing careers.”
Ramsay continued, “I would also like to congratulate every member of this year’s hall of fame class in the Player, Builder and Media categories. Your contributions to Canadian football will forever be remembered.”
Solomon Elimimian
- Three years as CFLPA President (since 2020)
- Four years on the CFLPA Board of Representatives
Among the best and brightest linebackers in the game, Elimimian played in 133 games for BC and Saskatchewan from 2010 to 2019. He is the only defensive player to be recognized as the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player (2014). Elimimian was the league’s Most Outstanding Rookie in 2010 and was twice named Most Outstanding Defensive Player (2014 and 2016). He was a six-time Division All-Star (2011, 2013-14, 2016-17, 2019) and a four-time CFL All-Star (2011, 2014, 2016 and 2017). He won the Grey Cup in 2011 as a member of the B.C. Lions.
John Bowman
- Two years on CFLPA Executive Board
- One year on CFLPA Board of Representatives
A force on defence and one of the best pass rushers ever to play, Bowman played in 230 regular season games over 14 seasons with the Montreal Alouettes between 2006 and 2019. He is a nine-time Division All-Star (2009-10, 2012-15, 2017-19) and a two-time CFL All-Star (2010 and 2015). Bowman played in three Grey Cup games capturing back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010.
Josh Bourke
- Two years on CFLPA Executive Board
- Seven years on CFLPA Board of Representatives
Played a decade in the CFL with the Montreal Alouettes and Toronto Argonauts dressing in 151 games. Bourke was a Division All-Star (2008-14) in seven consecutive seasons and was twice named a CFL All-star (2011, 2012). He was named the league’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in 2011. Bourke played in three Grey Cup championships, winning in 2009 and 2010.
The Class of 2023 will be officially inducted on Friday, September 15. Tickets to the induction ceremony can be purchased online.
About the CFLPA
The Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) is the union for professional football players in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Since 1965, the Association has worked to establish fair and reasonable working conditions while protecting the rights of all CFL players. In addition to negotiating and enforcing the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the CFLPA provides a variety of member services, builds corporate and community partnerships and works diligently for the betterment of its membership. Find us online at cflpa.com.
