Luke Willson announces colour commentator role for CFL on TSN

Photo courtesy: Bob Butrym/RFB Sport Photography

Luke Willson is the new Friday Night Football colour commentator for the CFL on TSN, he announced on Monday via his social media.

The 36-year-old joined the CFL on TSN last season as a sideline analyst, contributing throughout the regular-season and during the network’s coverage of the 112th Grey Cup in Winnipeg, Man. He has worked for TSN since 2022, when he was hired as an NFL analyst.

Willson spent eight seasons in the NFL as a tight end for the Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions, Oakland Raiders, and Baltimore Ravens. He recorded 111 receptions for 1,307 yards with 11 touchdowns over 102 regular-season games, making 52 starts. Willson also suited up for 11 playoff games and made five starts, registering 14 catches for 162 yards with one touchdown in postseason action.

The six-foot-five, 255-pounder ran a 4.51-second forty-yard dash at Rice University’s pro day in 2013. He added a 4.29-second short shuttle, 7.08-second three-cone, 23 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, a 38-inch vertical, and a ten-foot, two-inch broad jump. The Seahawks selected him in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft.

Willson won Super Bowl XLVIII with Seattle in a 43-8 win over the Denver Broncos at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. He caught two passes for 17 yards in the NFL championship game.

The LaSalle, Ont. native earned approximately $10.2 million USD during his NFL career.

In the 2012 CFL Draft, the Toronto Argonauts selected Willson in the fifth round, 32nd overall, though he never signed a CFL contract.

Willson’s father, Mike, played at the University of Windsor, while his brothers Greg and Eric played at Western University for the Mustangs.