As the Hamilton Tiger-Cats reel from another losing streak in 2025, the team has finally addressed a persistent issue with its special teams. That issue centers on an injury to kick and punt returner Lawrence Woods III. Woods III, the Tiger-Cats’ top returner, also plays cornerback for Hamilton.
The absence of Woods III is not the cause of the Tiger-Cats’ current three-game losing streak, but it has not helped their efforts to return to playing winning football. In a flurry of roster moves, the Tiger-Cats addressed their need on special teams by signing wide receiver and kick returner Phillip Brooks. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced the addition of Brooks; the CFL Transactions list confirmed the signing of Brooks to the Hamilton roster for Week 14.
Tiger-Cats fans, does the name Phillip Brooks ring a bell? In February 2025, the Tiger-Cats signed Brooks to compete for a wide receiver and kick return spot in training camp. After the team released him in favor of Lawrence Woods III, Brooks eagerly awaited another opportunity and with Woods’ injury, that opportunity has arrived. Will Brooks prove he has what it takes to contribute to the Tiger-Cats’ success?
After his release from the Tiger-Cats, Brooks signed with the BC Lions and appeared in one game for them in June 2025. His journey to the CFL was preceded by a stint with the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2024 NFL season. Before that, his college career at Kansas State spanned from 2018 to 2023.
As for his collegiate achievements, at Kansas State, Brooks, who is 5’8″ and 171 pounds, caught 182 passes for 2,127 yards and 14 touchdowns. During his college career, he also ran the ball 29 times for 122 yards and scored a rushing touchdown. Yet, his special teams experience enhances his value to Hamilton: Brooks returned 55 punts for 712 yards and four touchdowns, as well as 44 kickoffs for 847 yards across five seasons.
Rounding out the roster updates, the Tiger-Cats not only signed Brooks but also made two other adjustments. One adjustment involved releasing American RB Treshaun Ward. Additionally, Hamilton moved National defensive lineman Daniel Kwamou to their practice roster.
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