Mark Cohon (2014)

Any plans for a CFL video game? Or partnering with the Madden franchise?

To most outside of Canada, the NFL is the be-all and end-all of professional football.

Given the plethora of sports channels across the world, could us UK viewers maybe see some CFL at some point?

What strategies do you have for growing international awareness of the brand?

Mr. Cohon, first a big hello from everyone over at /r/CFL!! Thank you for your years of unwavering service and unfathomable belief in our little league.

My question for you today is in regard to one of the most pressing issues that the CFL faces today and that is Toronto. I personally believe that Toronto could once again a thriving hub for CFL football. What are the current steps the CFL is taking to ensure that the Toronto market will weather its current storm and survive? Much of what we have seen in the media is finger pointing at particular parties and conjecture of how "CFL football CAN'T work in Toronto".

As a REDBLACKS fan I've seen how amazing ownership can help a team thrive in a market where it seems to be a failure.

Thank you for coming to talk to us over here at Reddit :D!

Bonus Question: When can we expect the Atlantic Schooners to set sail!?

Do you think there will ever be a CFL team in Moncton or is Halifax Atlantic Canada's best shot at getting a franchise?

Hi Mr. Cohon,

What are some reasons that an American football fan (NFL and NCAA) should watch the CFL more regularly and how does someone in the Southeast US get access to do this?

I understand that due to the physical nature of the sport and the threat of injury, international competition would be difficult, but has there been any talks between your office and the NFL on the possibility of a game between the CFL and the NFL?

How likely is something like this to happen within the next 5 years?

After you step down as Commissioner, will you continue to watch/attend CFL games?

In a world where you have to make a choice, which would you choose:

...fight 100 duck sized Jon Cornish's, or one Nik Lewis sized Jon Cornish?

Hi Mr. Cohon,

I have a couple questions for you today:

1) What is your favourite grey cup match-up that took place in your tenure as Commissioner

and

2) Who is your all time favourite player in the CFL? Past or present.

There have been other great commissioners in professional sports but I don't believe there has ever been a stronger advocate for equal rights than you. Under your leadership, the CFL became one of the first leagues to support the the YCP Project and the Huddle Up Prevention Program. The CFL also continues their efforts on the field through fines and objectionable conduct penalties to ensure everyone is
treated with safety and respect. A couple questions:
1. Why was it important for you to make these social issues a
priority? Does it make you proud that your legacy as commissioner will extend beyond football?
2. Do you ever think about how many lives (most you won't ever hear about) that you saved and/or helped because of your words and actions? Or how many amateur athletes that continue to play football because of your ability to get other great guys like Jon Cornish to become positive role models?
3. If you had the chance, what would you say to the first openly gay CFL player?

Many will remember you for bringing the Redblacks a franchise or Hamilton a stadium but I believe your biggest accomplishment was to let fans know that it is okay to be who they are. I can't express in words how much of a positive impact you made for fans like me. Thank you for being my favourite commissioner of all time.

Mr. Commissioner, please give me an advantage in my bet with a friend:

What are the odds you'll wear a red tie during the Grey Cup trophy presentation ceremony on Sunday?

I've got two cartons of chocolate milk riding on you wearing a red tie.

Not trying to bribe you, but I would gladly give you one if I win.

Hello Mr. Commissioner! Thank you so much for doing this!

1) Where do you see the CFL in 5 years?

2) Reflecting on your time as CFL boss, what is one thing you would've done differently?

3) Got any hidden talents?

What was the highest level of football you have played? High school? College? NFL or CFL?

Mark,

What piece of advice would you give a budding sports journalism student?

According to the excellent cfldb.ca, the average player salary is closer to $80,000.

Do you remember when Douglas Mitchell did "Ask the Commissioner" in the mid-80's? (I still have my CFL '86 Stats book from when I sent in my question as a youngster.) If so, how cool do you think it is that history repeats itself like this?

What are your thoughts of having a fixed CFL schedule for example Fridays 7ET 10ET and Saturdays at 4ET and 7ET?

Hey Mark, what's the status on the Argos' search for a new home? Is it actively ongoing or are they taking a wait and see approach?

But can you breakdance Mr Commissioner?

Hello Commissioner, this AMAA has been so prolific that I hope my question hasn't been answered already. Barring active players, who do you think was the best QB to play in the CFL?

What do you think about the state of the CFL today?

What movie should I watch tonight?

If you could pick ANYONE (alive/dead, real/fictitious) to replace you as Commissioner, who would you pick?

Hi Mark,

Thank you for the excellent work you've done for the CFL during your tenure, and I truly believe the CFL will be poorer with your absence.

My questions are:
Do you view the pass interference replay challenge as a success? I liked the idea when it was first proposed, but after of watching challenges being upheld or overturned I'm more befuddled than ever as to what constitutes pass interference.

Secondly, as an Esks season ticket holder I would be remiss if I didn't ask you about the persistent rumours that there was CFL pressure placed on the Esks to trade Ricky Ray to Toronto. Since you're on the way out the door there's no harm spilling the beans now :)

Cheers,
Matt

Who is your favourite Canadian pop music star? Or what is your favourite band?

Mr Commish,

Does the CFL have any plans to work closer with the CIS to help develop amateur Canadian football talent?

To follow up on this question, what are your thoughts on concussion sensors? Any new technology that will be used next season to ensure the safety of all players?

Commissioner Cohon, there must be some aspects of the job that are fun, but don't always get the most publicity compared to your more public announcements and interactions with fans.

What's a part of your job that you really, really love, but the media or fans wouldn't know about?

Did you know your surname is pronounced almost like the spanish word for "testicle" (cojón)?
No offense intended, seriously. ♥

Do you have a favorite NFL team?

Is the CFL going to keep pass interference calls as reviewable next year?

What's one thing that CFL fans might not know about the job of Commissioner?

Are there any major regrets you have?

Who's going to win the Vanier Cup this weekend?

What would you like your legacy as Commissioner to be?

How often do you get told that you resemble a (slightly) older Mark Wahlberg?

When can we expect the CFL to lose the East / West divisions?

Proudest moment as commissioner?

Favorite thing either of your parents ever cooked?

Favorite vacation spot?

Favorite TV show?

Thing your looking forward to most with stepping down as commissioner?

Thank you for doing this Mr Cohon!

A few questions for you:

Forgive my ignorance from here on in

Do you watch other leagues/sports? If so:

• What are your favourite teams? Why?

• Any favourite players? Why?

• Do you watch and see if you can incorporate anything into the CFL?

There is a large debate over the expansion of the NFL (starting with the London games).

• Do you see the CFL expanding overseas, whether through broadcasting of domestic games or even playing games abroad?

• What are the pros/cons from your point of view?

Cheers!