Ottawa Redblacks release longtime Canadian kicker Lewis Ward

Ottawa Redblacks' Lewis Ward (10) makes the field goal for the win over the Edmonton Elks at the end of second half CFL action in Edmonton, Alta., on Sunday July 14, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

The Ottawa Redblacks released veteran kicker Lewis Ward on Thursday.

Ward, 33, played seven seasons with Ottawa (2018-19, 2021-25), joining the CFL club as a free agent after playing collegiately at the University of Ottawa.

He made 300-of-347 field goals (86.5 per cent) and 140-of-151 convert attempts (92.7 per cent) in 117 regular-season games with the Redblacks.

He was the CFL’s top rookie and special-teams player in 2018, and over 2018-19 made 69 straight field goals, a CFL record and the longest such streak in pro football.

Last season, Ward made 35-of-46 field goals (career-low 76.1 per cent) and 33-of-35 converts.

“As an organization, we would like to thank Lewis for everything he brought to our football club both on and off the field,” said Shawn Burke, Ottawa’s vice-president of football operations. “He accomplished so many great achievements during his time here. The accolades and records speak for themselves.

“He will be forever known as a Redblack great.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 16, 2026.