Friday is a big day in the nation’s capital.
Not only are the Ottawa REDBLACKS taking on their rival Montreal Alouettes in their 2025 home opener, but RNation will get their first look at a prized offseason acquisition in receiver Geno Lewis.
A three-time All-CFL receiver, and 2022 Most Outstanding Player, Lewis heads into tonight’s contest with 403 catches for 6,318 yards and 42 touchdowns, since he broke into the league in 2017 as a member of the Alouettes, making his debut in the nation’s capital a can’t-miss occasion for fans.
Lewis, who says he has always enjoyed playing in Ottawa as an opponent, shares the enthusiasm for his first true meeting with REDBLACKS fans, but Friday’s game against his former team also carries a wealth of personal significance for the 32-year-old.
Not only does Lewis’ “homecoming” happen to be his 100th CFL game, but he also is one catch away from making history. With touchdown grabs in his last nine games dating back to 2024, Lewis is one away from becoming the second player in league history to extend such a streak to 10, and the first since Terry Evanshen in 1968.
“I think it’s crazy, and I think it all comes full circle,” said Lewis of the occasion. “I just look at everything like: God sets everything up the way it needs to be set up.”
Were there not enough storylines related to Lewis heading into the matchup, an unfortunate injury to starting quarterback Dru Brown — who threw for 413 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s season opener — will see Matt Shiltz under centre for the REDBLACKS; throwing to Lewis once again, as he did for a time in Montreal.
Those thinking the change at quarterback puts a damper on Lewis’ touchdown hopes for Friday would do well to remember that Shiltz is one of just three quarterbacks who have thrown him multiple touchdown passes in a single game. A distinction he shares with Vernon Adams, and Trevor Harris.
Needless to say, Lewis has all the faith in the world in Friday’s pivot.
“I know what he’s capable of. He’s going to play ball. He’s going to give us a chance, an opportunity to help him and help our team,” said Lewis. “He’s started some games, he’s done his job, so for him this is like reading a book.”
Regardless of whether or not Lewis breaks, or even ties the record, it’s an accomplishment that stands as a testament to an outstanding career, still in its prime.
That isn’t to say there hasn’t been growth along the way. For a man who did everything from attend rookie minicamps with the Cincinnati Bengals, and Seattle Seahawks, to playing semi-pro basketball, the road to CFL stardom has required a steady hand on the wheel, and an ability to make a sharp turn when necessary.
Adapting to the Canadian game upon his arrival in 2017 came with its share of adjustments. There is, of course, learning the waggle, a 12th defender, and a larger field, but Lewis’ biggest evolution may have happened off the field.
“The game has slowed down for me,” the Norristown, Pennsylvania native said. “I’ve learned so much over all the years through my teammates, quarterbacks, coaches, and just being in different organizations. I’m prepared for everything, anything really that this game brings.”
There is, perhaps, no one better to attest to that fact than another of Ottawa’s marquee free agent signings: running back William Stanback.
Joining the Alouettes in 2018, the man who would go on to become a two-time All-CFLer in his own right developed a tight-knit friendship with Lewis, even after the latter joined the Edmonton Elks in 2023, and the former signed on with the BC Lions in 2024.
Now both established as top players in the CFL, and playing together once again, Stanback wholeheartedly agrees with Lewis’ self-assessment, in that “maturity” is the word that comes to mind.
“I would just say having those thoughts of a loss, back in the day when were younger, dwelling on the past and everything,” said Stanback. “Now that we’re older, we know that it’s a long season, and if you lose one game, it doesn’t determine what type of team we are. I think he shows that a lot in his character.”
Older, and wiser, the hunger to win remains, but Lewis acknowledges the meaning that Friday’s game carries for him. Not only because of the nature of his achievements, but because he is reaching them in a place where he has felt welcomed with open arms.
“I think it’s a blessing. I’m just happy and grateful to be here in Ottawa, “ said Lewis. “This is the closest place to my family, and I just feel really embraced here. Everything that I’m doing right now, I’m grateful to be doing it as a REDBLACK.”
Individual achievements, and championship rings are great, but when all is said and done, Lewis says he hopes to be remembered as an unselfish player, who did everything he needed to do to help his team win.
As previously stated, perhaps the best person to attest to whether or not Lewis’ will leave behind such a legacy is Stanback, who points to Lewis’ dedication to his training, in the film room, and every aspect of his craft.
But to Stanback’s children, “three-time All-CFL receiver Geno Lewis” is just “Uncle Geno”.
“[Geno is] a true stand-up guy. Whether it’s doing stuff on the field, or community work off the field, he’s someone that kids can look up to,” Stanback said. “My kids look up to him. I love him like a brother. He’s family to me.”
Kickoff is set for 7:30pm ET between the REDBLACKS and Alouettes.
