From Chatham roots to Hec Crighton winner, Ethan Jordan embraces next step
For soon-to-be Wilfrid Laurier University alum Ethan Jordan, football has never been far from his life and neither has the sense of purpose it has helped shape.
Jordan’s journey into the game began long before his university days, rooted in family and community in Chatham, Ont., where he was immersed in the sport from an early age.
“My dad actually introduced me,” Jordan said.
“He started a program in Chatham called the Chatham Cougars. I really had no choice but to start playing football. Grade two is when I started playing, and I’ve been playing ever since.”
That early exposure turned into a lifelong pursuit, but it wasn’t until his teenage years that Jordan began to see football as more than just a pastime.
“Probably grade eight is when things started to get more serious,” he said.
“Then obviously grade 11 to 12, trying to get in the gym, gain some weight, and get on the radar of university programs.”
That path eventually led him to Laurier, where a mix of instinct and environment helped seal his decision.
“I just had a good feeling about Laurier, the community, and I liked the people there,” he said.
What followed was a five-year stretch that Jordan describes as transformative, not only as an athlete, but as a person.
“The thing that stands out to me the most is just growth as a man,” he said.
“There are so many connections I’ve made, so many people I’ve learned from.”
Balancing a major in psychology with a minor in economics, Jordan credits his time at Laurier for helping him grow academically and personally, while also navigating the independence that comes with leaving home.
“Moving away from my family, being more financially independent, and just growing into my own as a person,” he said.
On the field, Jordan developed into a dynamic receiver, known for his speed and coordination. But his most lasting memories aren’t always tied to game day.
“Some of the memories are parts of the journey,” he said.
“We would do like 6 a.m. runs, freezing cold, it would suck in the moment, but looking back, that’s a memory I would remember.”
Jordan’s development at Laurier extended beyond physical growth. Under the guidance of coaches, he sharpened his understanding of the game, particularly on the mental side.
“One of the main things that I’ve learned is just my knowledge for the game, my IQ,” he said.
That growth translated into on-field success. In 2025, Jordan was recognized as the top player in Canadian university football, capturing the Hec Crighton Trophy as the nation’s most outstanding player.
“It means so much to me, it’s a milestone I’ve reached that I can reflect and have a lot of gratitude towards,” he said.
He was also part of a Laurier squad that advanced to the Vanier Cup in 2024, alongside quarterback Taylor Elgersma — now pursuing opportunities in the United States.
Those moments, he said, helped shape his discipline and mindset, which are traits that would carry over into his pursuit of professional football in the CFL with the Ottawa REDBLACKS.
After an initial stint that ended in a roster cut, Jordan returns with renewed confidence.
“I’ve improved a lot as a player and matured, and so I’m ready to take it on this time,” he said.
Through it all, his father remains a constant presence, both as the person who introduced him to football and as a steady source of support.
“He’s been with me every step of the way, we talk almost every day,” Jordan said.
As he continues his professional pursuit, Jordan carries with him the lessons learned at Laurier, lessons rooted in teamwork, resilience and character.
“Knowing how to be a locker-room guy, having good character, supporting your teammates, and just having a good work ethic,” he said.
For the next generation of student-athletes, his advice is simple.
“Be an athlete, but be a student, focus on your school because sports isn’t going to take us all the way home,” he said.
“Whatever you do in one thing is how you do everything. Work hard and pick the brains of those people who are better around you.”