Not many kickers in pro football can say they’re one of the most well-known players on their team.
Ottawa REDBLACKS kicker Lewis Ward would never say that—humble as he is—but the fact remains he’s as close to a household name as anyone on the team.
In a league where very few players stay in one place for very long, Ward has been REDBLACKS’ mainstay since his arrival in 2018. And the reason is simple: His list of accomplishments is every bit as impressive as his longevity.
In his CFL debut, Ward went 3 for 4, missing on his fourth attempt from 48 yards away. He wouldn’t miss again until August of 2019, cashing in on 69 consecutive field goals, the longest streak in pro football history. Ward eclipsed the mark held by NFL legend Adam Vinatieri (44), then tacked on 25 more to make it a record that isn’t likely to fall anytime soon.
Lewis Ward was born in England, spent part of his early childhood in Switzerland, then moved to Canada just before high school—not exactly your typical pro football resume.
During his time as the kicker at the University of Ottawa, Ward got a job as a security guard, where he’d work events at Canadian Tire Centre or at Bluesfest. But he also worked REDBLACKS games at TD Place, watching the team he’d join one day.
“I was able to stand behind the bench, get a feel for the atmosphere on the sideline and things like that,” Ward said. “So I was able to just pay attention to the little things when I could outside of work.”
Lewis Ward, Ottawa REDBLACKS kicker and holder of the longest consecutive field goal streak in pro football history, has remained a cornerstone of the franchise since 2018. | Photography by Sean Sisk.
Did you ever watch the CFL kickers and think to yourself, ‘I’m a better kicker than that guy?’
Yeah, definitely more so in warm ups, just because it wasn’t a busy time of work during that time. But you’re around the stadium walking around and stuff. And I would find myself watching warm ups and thinking, ‘Yeah, I could definitely compete at this level if I got a chance.’
How did your CFL opportunity come about?
In my draft year, I mostly spoke to Hamilton. I went through the combine, wasn’t drafted, and returned to school for my final year. At the end of the season, I got a call from the REDBLACKS asking if I wanted to pursue professional football. I said yes, and they signed me. From there, it took off.
Can you tell us about the consecutive field goal streak and crushing the pro record? When did it dawn on you that something special was happening?
It didn’t really click until more media started coming around when I’d hit something in the range of 27–30 in a row. And they were like, “Oh, you’re on a streak.” And I was like, “Oh, I mean, I guess so.” Until then, I was just thinking that I was doing my part to help us win.
The craziest thing was at home when I missed the field goal, the whole TD place just stood in applause. It was the first time that the home team is ever going to applaud you for missing a field goal. So that’s definitely a memory that sticks with me.
You were also the Most Outstanding Rookie and Most Outstanding Special Teams Player that season. What did those recognitions mean to you?
Oh, they’re awesome. We were in the Grey Cup that year, so the whole team was at the award ceremony. I wasn’t expecting to win anything. When I won the second award, I remember opening my speech with “Long time no see,” because I wasn’t really prepared for any speech, let alone a second one. But to win both of those awards in one year, in your rookie year, is definitely something special.
Can you tell me what your teammate Richie Leone has meant for your career and personal life?
Yeah. We put in an eight-year career together. He played in BC before and basically took me under his wing all through when I was younger, showing me the ropes, having my back in every situation, things like that. And then, you spend so much time with someone in practice, outside the facility, and stuff like that. You just build a friendship there that football gives you, and it’s one of those friendships that will last forever.
What do you like to do to unwind in Ottawa?
Well, we just bought a house out in Osgoode in April, and we had our first son in January. So life has been pretty busy, but a lot of fun. When I’m not in football, I’m in full dad-mode when I come home. Now that the season is halfway through, I’ve got a bit more of a routine down.
One thing I really love to do outside football is play golf. I have a great relationship with Rideau View Golf Club in Manotick, so I play there often enough. It’s a beautiful course, a nice place to be. It keeps you active but also isn’t football related. Kicking in golf and football kind of go hand in hand. I always tell the coaches, “The more golf I play, the better I kick,” so I try to get out on the course.
What gives you hope that the team can get to the playoffs and maybe make a deep run this year?
Yeah, I mean, we have a really talented team. As we get into September and October, all the East teams start playing each other. In September, we’ll play B.C. back-to-back, two big games. The Eastern Division teams, like Montreal and Toronto, have had struggles, but they’re all good teams. It depends on who beats who coming down the stretch. We have a really talented team; it’s just about putting it together and keeping guys healthy for the later stretch. Once we get to the playoffs, anything can happen.
Ward is in year one of a three-year contract, and while he’s already accomplished so much in the game, his Ottawa football story still has many more exciting chapters ahead.
