People often say it’s the heart of this league — of its fans, players and teams — that sets it apart.
Whether it was a rocking half-time show in Hamilton, #FamilyDay in Toronto or Stampeders fans supporting community initiatives in a big way, Week 6 served as a testament to that heart.
Let’s check out how things unfolded on social.
Thursday | Saskatchewan 31, Hamilton 20
The Riders went into Hamilton and rocked the house at Tim Hortons Field, earning a key victory and moving to 3-2 on the season.
Thursday marked a potentially pivotal moment in Saskatchewan’s season, while it will definitely go down as one the Ticats will want to forget.
We go. #TNF pic.twitter.com/VUJgtmomWy
— Saskatchewan Roughriders (@sskroughriders) July 19, 2018
Half-time act The Beaches were phenomenal, and got into the spirit with Ticats jerseys and some pre-performance football.
COACH DAD IS BACK!! GO @Ticats GO!! 🐅🐅🐅🐅 @CFL @TSN_Sports pic.twitter.com/xdA34Oka0U
— The Beaches (@thebeaches) July 20, 2018
Like we said, all Riders in this one:
When they leave you wide-open:
😳🤯😮 pic.twitter.com/gex3Rj6eLU
— Saskatchewan Roughriders (@sskroughriders) July 20, 2018
Friday | Ottawa 29, BC 25
The REDBLACKS dug deep and put together a memorable game-winning drive inside the final two minutes, earning a much-needed win against a game Lions squad.
Rick Campbell’s team got a little help from a furry, rally-themed friend.
#RNationRabbit is back for this rally!!#RNationLive #CFLGameDay pic.twitter.com/e1jCsSRHiu
— Ottawa REDBLACKS (@REDBLACKS) July 21, 2018
While the night ended in a loss for BC, quarterback Travis Lulay further cemented his reputation as an all-around great guy.
Eight months later and (almost) the same spot. Shout out to @TravisLulay for once again making my little @REDBLACKS fan’s #CFLGameDay! This is what makes the @CFL so special! pic.twitter.com/H1VrhnNB3O
— Karl Eriksson (@eglo1978) July 21, 2018
Ottawa allows fans onto the field following home games, and one little REDBLACKS fan got to meet her own heroes from the cheer team.
@BrittShaule @dbest121 and Kaylee BFFs for life 💕 you two are amazing role models on and off the field @REDBLACKS @REDBLACKSCheer pic.twitter.com/FYN7CiIBy0
— Ashley Salt (@ashleyannsalt) July 21, 2018
Saturday | Winnipeg 38, Toronto 20
There’s little doubt that Andrew Harris has injected himself into the MOP conversation, what with being on pace for 1,800-plus rush yards and all, but it was a stellar team effort from the Bombers in Toronto on Saturday.
The Argos hosted their #FamilyDay game — the first of a league-wide series of theme games featuring characters from shows like Spongebob, Paw Patrol and Family Channel’s The Next Step.
A post shared by Dylan Ratzlaff (@dylan.ratzlaff) on
playing the field. thanks @cfl i found a new love
A post shared by shelby bain (@shelbybain_) on
Two of @TorontoArgos’ younger fans are loving @pawpatrol at #FamilyDay! 🏈 pic.twitter.com/Qvf6HWMikV
— CFL (@CFL) July 21, 2018
Great #FamilyDay vibes at BMO Field this afternoon, @TorontoArgos. 👊 pic.twitter.com/PyxQYOwP1s
— CFL (@CFL) July 21, 2018
Oh, and then there was Andrew Harris going off for 177 yards. That too.
Matt Nichols —-> Andrew Harris for the TOUCHDOWN! #ForTheW #CFLGameday pic.twitter.com/P3PSnkl8uy
— WPG Blue Bombers (@Wpg_BlueBombers) July 21, 2018
Saturday | Calgary 25, Montreal 8
On the field, the Stampeders dominated virtually start to finish against Montreal.
The team excelled off the field as well, with players taking part in #DayOfInclusion celebrations with Special Olympics Canada and Tim Hortons.
Yum! #ChooseToInclude special Olympics has done so much in my life! A box of donuts to support that anytime! @SpecialOCalgary pic.twitter.com/wvAr4NZtHQ
— Alex Singleton (@alexsingleton49) July 21, 2018
Other players around the league also got in on the #ChooseToInclude initiative, including Saskatchewan’s Zack Evans.
A great cause that tastes even better, #RiderNation!
Purchase the @SpecialOCanada 🍩& support Special Olympics Canada! #ChooseToInclude pic.twitter.com/1sYu7LpBl9
— Saskatchewan Roughriders (@sskroughriders) July 21, 2018
Fans got in on the action, contributing over 60,000 pounds of food to Purolator’s #TackleHunger campaign and munching on their own Special Olympics donuts at the stadium.
Tonight’s @PurolatorInc #TackleHunger donation total? 64,502 lbs!!!
Thank you, #Stamps fans! pic.twitter.com/o2HOY9CMjJ
— Calgary Stampeders (@calstampeders) July 22, 2018
Cheering on the @calstampeders with our @TimHortons #SpecialOlympics donut because we #ChooseToInclude! pic.twitter.com/pXYNoN3CXY
— Nadine Scotland (@nadinechyz) July 22, 2018
A special league, indeed.