The 2012 Canadian Football League (CFL) season begins on Friday, June 29 with the Manitoba Bisons football team contributing numerous alumni throughout the professional league. There are now five former Bisons on active CFL rosters plus one former Bison staff member as a CFL coach for the start of the upcoming 2012 season. 

Overall, there are former Bisons players in four of the eight teams in the league. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats has the most Bison alumni with two players on their 46 person lineup while there is one Bison on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers roster.

At the start of the 2012 season, the five Bisons on CFL rosters are sixth year CFL veteran long snapper/linebacker Cory Huclack with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, defensive lineman Don Oramasionwu in his fourth CFL year now with the Edmonton Eskimos, safety Brady Browne in his fourth CFL season playing at Winnipeg, defensive lineman Eddie Steele in his third CFL season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and linebacker Louie Richardson beginning his rookie CFL campaign in Hamilton.

“I am happy that these five players will be in the CFL this season with Louie making his first pro roster. It is great to watch former Bisons make an impact at the CFL level and that there is a Bison on the hometown Winnipeg Blue Bombers lineup this year.” commented Bison Football head coach Brian Dobie.

Former Manitoba Bisons Currently Playing Professional Football (as of June 28/12)
(DL) Don Oramasionwu     - Edmonton Eskimos (CFL)
(DL) Eddie Steele         - Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL)
(LB) Louie Richardson    - Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL)
(LB/LS) Cory Huclack     - Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL)
(S) Brady Browne         - Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL)

Bobby Dyce            - Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL coach)
Israel Idonije            - Chicago Bears (NFL)