Canadian linebacker A.J. Allen, a coveted free agent, chose to sign with the Ottawa Redblacks largely because of the team's punctuality and respect shown during the recruitment process. The 28-year-old Burlington native, who played college football at Guelph, emphasized the importance of being on time, a philosophy he calls 'Lombardi Time,' popularized by legendary Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi.
Punctuality and Respect Seal the Deal
When the CFL free agency window opened at noon on February 10, 2026, the Redblacks were ready. 'I wanted to go where I was wanted and where they love football,' Allen said. 'When the window opened at 12 o'clock, Shawn Burke (VP of football operations) called me at 12. That’s something I can really appreciate. Respect. Not 12:05, not 12:01, he called me at 12.'
Head coach and GM Ryan Dinwiddie followed up at 12:15, and defensive coordinator Will Fields called at 12:30. 'That means a lot to me. Being on time, punctual, respectful … that shows I was wanted,' Allen added. 'Having conversations with them, it was evident that they love football and they saw me in their vision. It pretty much made the decision very easy.'
Allen's Journey to the CFL
Allen, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 235 pounds, capped his collegiate career with the Guelph Gryphons by being named the OUA's Most Outstanding Stand-Up Defensive Player. In three seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, he evolved from a special-teams standout to a starting linebacker. In the Western Final on October 22, he sacked B.C. Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke on a second-and-three, forcing a punt that led to a game-winning drive for the Riders, who went on to win the Grey Cup.
By moving from the Grey Cup champions to a last-place Redblacks team that started three American linebackers in 2025, Allen becomes a ratio-changer for Ottawa.
Personal Reasons for Ottawa
Beyond football, Allen has fond childhood memories of Ottawa. 'I used to come here when I was a kid. My mom took me to ride Rideau Street and the canal. We’d walk, because I’m not a skater, and we’d go see Parliament Hill as well,' he recalled.
Moving to Ottawa also brings him closer to his girlfriend, Nicole Kwiatskowski, who lives in Vaughan and is studying to be a psychotherapist. 'She’s wonderful,' Allen said. 'She’s Taiwanese and Polish, which is confusing, because it sounds like Fiatkovsky, but it’s spelt with K instead of F.'
