Folarin Orimolade, Stavros Katsantonis elected to CFLPA executive board

Photo courtesy: CFLPA

The Canadian Football League Players’ Association elected two new members to its executive board during its annual general meeting in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Calgary Stampeders defensive lineman Folarin Orimolade has been chosen as the union’s new second vice-president, while Hamilton Tiger-Cats safety Stavros Katsantonis has been installed as the third vice-president. The pair replace long snapper Mike Benson and defensive lineman Jake Thomas, who held the positions in 2025.

“We are fortunate to have a group of committed and passionate leaders stepping into these roles,” CFLPA executive director David Mackie said in a statement. “Our executive board plays a critical role in shaping the direction of the association and ensuring that the voices of CFL players are heard. I’m looking forward to working closely with this new board as we continue to grow the CFLPA and advocate for our membership.”

Orimolade is entering his eighth CFL season, split between the Stampeders and the Toronto Argonauts. The native of Washington, D.C., has amassed 124 defensive tackles, 11 special teams tackles, 30 sacks, six forced fumbles, and two interceptions in 78 career games, earning East Division all-star honours in 2023.

Katsantonis was raised in Bakersfield, Cal., but qualifies as Canadian through his parents and played collegiately at the University of British Columbia. In 81 games over five seasons with Hamilton, he has produced 200 defensive tackles, 29 special teams tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and 12 interceptions, earning All-CFL honours in 2025.

The remainder of the CFLPA executive remains unchanged. President Solomon Elimimian, who first took over the role in 2020, has been re-elected for a fourth term, while kicker Brett Lauther will continue as first vice-president, and linebacker Adam Bighill remains as treasurer.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the trust placed in me to continue serving as President of the CFLPA,” Elimimian said as part of the announcement. “It’s an honour to represent our members, and I’m proud of the work we’ve done together to strengthen our union. I’m excited to continue building on that progress with this new board as we work to support our members and move the game forward.”

The CFLPA executive board is voted upon by a group of active player representatives from across the CFL.