Calgary Stampeders linebacker Cameron Judge (4) grabs hold of Toronto Argonauts wide receiver Brandon Banks' (16) jersey while Banks sprints up the field during the first half of a CFL game in Toronto on Saturday, August 20, 2022. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston)
Cameron Judge had an unforgettable start to 2025. On January 6, the veteran CFL linebacker and his wife, Brittany, welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Jax. Just four days later, Judge found himself on the move as the Calgary Stampeders traded him to the Toronto Argonauts in exchange for defensive lineman Folarin Orimolade.
Judge had been a key defensive player for Calgary, making 73 tackles, one sack, an interception, and recovering a fumble in 2024. Meanwhile, Orimolade contributed six sacks to a dominant Toronto defence that led the CFL with 48 sacks and helped secure a Grey Cup victory. Despite his strong performance, Judge was caught off guard by the trade.
"It was definitely unexpected," Judge admitted from his Las Vegas home. "I had just become a father, and then suddenly, I was being traded. It was a lot to process."
Shortly after the trade, Toronto extended Judge’s contract through 2026. This marks his second stint with the Argos, having briefly played for them in 2021 before being dealt to Calgary in 2022.
"You can’t get too attached in this business," he said. "I had a great time in Calgary, but things change fast. You have to adapt and keep moving forward."
Familiar Faces and New Challenges
For Judge, returning to Toronto feels like stepping into familiar territory. "I already know a lot of the staff and some former teammates, so it helps ease the transition," he said. Among those familiar faces is running back Ka’Deem Carey, who also played in Calgary.
Judge is particularly excited to team up with linebacker Wynton McManis, a three-time Grey Cup champion and two-time CFL all-star. "That was one of my first thoughts after the trade. I was hoping the Argos would re-sign him, and thankfully, they did. I can’t wait to play alongside him."
Building a Legacy in the CFL
Judge has built an impressive career since entering the CFL in 2017 with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Over 95 regular-season games, he has accumulated 356 tackles, 15 sacks, and nine interceptions. In Calgary, he was twice nominated as the team’s top Canadian player and earned CFL all-star honours in 2022.
His agent, Kenny Kim, praised Judge’s hard work and leadership. "Cameron is one of the league’s premier defensive players. He’s going to be a leader on and off the field in Toronto, and I expect another all-star season from him."
Despite balancing fatherhood and football, Judge remains as committed as ever. "I want to play long enough for my son to remember watching me on the field," he said. "The COVID year made me realize how much I love the game, and I don’t take a single moment for granted."
With his sights set on a Grey Cup, Judge is also looking forward to Toronto’s annual Labour Day clash against Hamilton on September 1. "That game has always been one of my favourites," he said. "I can’t wait for it."
