Longtime CFL scout Craig Smith dies at the age of 69

By Canadian Press on August 24, 2025.

REGINA — Craig Smith, a longtime CFL scout, has died. He was 69 years old.

Smith’s wife, Cathy, announced her husband’s death Sunday on social media. Smith was diagnosed with leukemia in October 2017 but had been battling a number of health ailments the past few years.

Smith, a Winnipeg native, began his CFL career as an offensive quality control coach with the B.C. Lions in 2000, a year after serving as a guest coach with the club.

The Lions won a Grey Cup in 2000 and Smith later served as the club’s player-personnel coordinator. He joined the Hamilton Tiger-Cats as their player-personnel director in 2005, serving in that role for three seasons before rejoining the Lions.

Smith became the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ player-personnel director in 2010 and was part of the organization’s 2013 Grey Cup-winning squad. Smith remained with the Riders through the 2015 season before joining the hometown Blue Bombers.

Smith was a national scout with Winnipeg when it was announced in October 2017 that he was stepping away after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.

Smith went into remission following a stem-cell transplant but endured a number of health complications, including congestive heart failure.

“Craig was a respected football mind, a valued colleague, and a cherished friend to so many across the CFL community,” the Blue Bombers said in a statement. “His passion for the game, his generosity of spirit, and his kindness left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Craig’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.”

In March, Smith and his wife attended the CFL combine, which was held in Regina.

In a story on the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ website, Smith said growing up he knew the roster of every CFL team by heart.

“My mother used to go crazy with all the pieces of paper I would have all over the place,” he told Rob Vanstone, the Riders senior journalist. “I tried to keep on top of everything.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 24, 2025.

The Canadian Press