Veteran linebacker Wynton McManis expressed his excitement about joining the Hamilton Tiger-Cats after signing a one-year contract. McManis spoke with reporters shortly after the announcement, reflecting on his previous four seasons with the Toronto Argonauts, where he played a key role in securing two Grey Cup championships.
“I grew up a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, so I always dreamed of wearing black and yellow or black and gold,” McManis remarked while casually chewing on a toothpick. “It turns out that I was meant to be a Hamilton Tiger-Cat instead of a Steeler. I believe it will feel like home for me.”
The 31-year-old linebacker, standing at six feet and weighing 220 pounds, had a productive season with the Argonauts, achieving 62 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions, and one forced fumble across 15 regular-season games. His addition is particularly significant for Hamilton, which recently lost Canadian middle linebacker Devin Veresuk to the NFL”s Indianapolis Colts.
Last season, the Tiger-Cats finished with an 11-7 record, claiming the top spot in the East Division, although they fell short in the conference final, losing 19-16 to the Montreal Alouettes. Hamilton is eager to end its Grey Cup drought, which has lasted since 1999.
McManis, who has been recognized as a CFL all-star twice, was set to enter free agency soon but became available earlier after being released by Toronto. “I felt comfortable in Toronto, but I realized that I needed to grow and pursue greatness,” he shared. “Conversations with Jamal Peters, a former teammate with the Ticats, and other players showed me that we share the same goal: to win.”
Throughout his career, McManis has proven to be a valuable asset, accumulating 390 tackles, 52 special-teams tackles, 16 sacks, nine interceptions, and four forced fumbles, along with three defensive touchdowns in 100 regular-season games. “I plan to bring excitement, passion, and leadership to the team,” he stated. “I don”t see myself solely as a vocal leader; I aim to connect with my teammates daily and ensure we”re all aligned.”
Importantly, McManis won”t need to relocate his family for this new chapter. “My wife supported my decision; she understands the business side of football. My son is excited about the Tiger-Cats as well,” he noted. “Not having to move is a huge plus. Hamilton feels just right—a great family environment.”
This year”s Labour Day matchup will be particularly significant as McManis faces his former team at Hamilton Stadium. However, he insists that he won”t treat those games any differently. “Toronto shouldn”t be the only team concerned about what”s coming,” he emphasized.
McManis is already impressed with his new surroundings. “Walking into the locker room and seeing every seat facing each other is important to me. It aligns with how we play this game,” he explained. “I”m focused on sharing what I know and contributing to our success.”
Moreover, McManis reunites with Bo Levi Mitchell, the quarterback he played alongside during their time with the Calgary Stampeders. With the 2026 Grey Cup scheduled to take place in Calgary, McManis envisions a perfect storyline where Hamilton can finally reclaim its championship status. “That would be the ideal conclusion,” he added.
