Electric returner Isaiah Wooden Sr. re-signs with Hamilton Tiger-Cats after NFL stint

Photo courtesy: Hamilton Tiger-Cats

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have re-signed American receiver and returner Isaiah Wooden Sr.

Veteran returner Mario Alford was released to make room for the 26-year-old to return to Hamilton after a stint with the Cleveland Browns. He signed with the Browns in January, but was waived on May 19.

“We’re excited to have Isaiah back with our organization,” president of football operations, Orlondo Steinauer said in a statement. “He’s an explosive athlete who knows our environment, understands our expectations, and adds another dynamic piece to our roster.”

The five-foot-nine, 170-pound returner appeared in 15 games with the Ticats over the 2024 and 2025 seasons, recording 45 kickoff returns for 1,185 yards with two touchdowns, while adding 38 punt returns for 570 yards and one touchdown, plus two special teams tackles. In 2025, he led the CFL in punt return average (15.0 yards) and ranked second in kickoff return average (26.3 yards).

“Isaiah is a great teammate and an elite returner,” head coach, Scott Milanovich said in a statement. “I believe he is just scratching the surface of what he can contribute to our team. We are thrilled to bring him back to Hamilton.”

Prior to joining the Tiger-Cats, Wooden spent time with the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Chargers following the 2024 NFL Draft. He also signed with the B.C. Lions before being released later that year.

Wooden played his final two collegiate seasons at Southern Utah University, where he recorded 100 receptions for 1,726 yards with 20 touchdowns while earning first-team All-UAC honours in 2023. He began his collegiate career at Utah Tech University and Kent State University.