NFL teams have squared off against CFL teams on eight different occasions, all preseason games, usually using rules from both leagues. The most recent game was August 8, 1961 in Hamilton, Ontario where the Tiger-Cats defeated the Buffalo Bills 38-21.
In the modern era, the NFL and CFL have a strong complementary relationship. Both leagues share the goal of strengthening the interest, awareness and participation in football among Canadians.
In 1997 the NFL and CFL formed a financial and marketing partnership called the NFL/CFL Coopererative Relationship Agreement (also called "Alliance"). Originally a five-year agreement, the agreement was extended through the 2003 season in 1999. Under the agreement, and after review by the NFL's Competition Committee, CFL players entering the option years of their contracts are permitted to sign with NFL clubs.
These CFL players will not be allocated to NFL Europe League teams.
If the CFL player is subsequently waived by his NFL team, he has a 10-day window after termination to sign a contract with any NFL team, including its practice squad if he is eligible, before his rights automatically revert to his CFL club.
"In June, 2004, the NFL and CFL extended their working agreement through the 2006 season. As part of the extension a Football Development Management Council was formed to explore the creation of programs aimed at introducing more Canadians to the game."
The National Football League and Canadian Football League also work together through the Alliance to support football at the grassroots level in Canada. Reebok NFL/CFL Flag Football Canada, presented by Sportchek, (www.flagfootball.ca) is an elementary in-school phys-ed program currently active in more than 1,300 schools. Other joint initiatives include the NFL/CFL High School Coach of the Year Program, NFL/CFL Practice with the Pros and NFL/CFL Test to be the Best.
