The Canadian Football League (CFL) faces significant backlash from fans and players over recent rule changes planned for 2026 and 2027. The league introduced modifications such as shortening the field from 110 to 100 yards, moving the goalposts to the back of the end zone, and adjusting other elements, aiming to attract new audiences and grow the league. However, these changes have been widely criticized as betraying the traditional Canadian identity of the sport, which is distinct from American football, with fans describing the moves as 'tone-deaf' and unnecessary. Winnipeg fans and players, including veteran long snapper Jorgen Hus and kicker Brett Lauther, expressed disappointment, arguing that the changes undermine the unique aspects of Canadian football, such as the larger field, three downs, and the waggle. The league's commissioner, Stewart Johnston, claims most players, coaches, and agents support the changes, but many fans and some players feel they were not consulted and fear the alterations could diminish the game's Canadian character. A recent survey indicates that half of regular fans and three-quarters of hardcore fans dislike the changes. The controversy is amplified by a surge in Canadian patriotism, fueled by U.S. political rhetoric and cultural influences, leading to accusations that the CFL is moving towards Americanization at the expense of its Canadian roots. Despite the backlash, the CFL maintains that the changes will help the league grow, though critics remain skeptical about the potential impact on the sport's identity.