The NFL Draft is pretty inarguably the biggest stage in the world for football. Especially in the United States, sports don't get any bigger than the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers going head-to-head during a primetime, Sunday night window.
When it comes to the draft specifically, players find new homes as their friends, families, and collegiate allegiances cheer them on in eager support. For Kentucky, a handful of Wildcats found their way to the NFL level just over one week ago. But the NFL isn't the only path to professional football.
The Canadian Football League has a wide following and dedicated fanbase of its own. In the league's global draft this year, in which athletes from outside the U.S. and Canada are selected, former Kentucky punter Aidan Laros represented South Africa as the first overall pick.
A Wildcat Going First Overall
Going first overall, in any circumstance, is a big deal. Taken by the Ottowa Redblacks - a team that will now inevitably benefit from a portion of BBN's worldwide support - Laros is expected to help fill the team's special teams needs.
Laros punted for two seasons in Lexington, eclipsing 50 punts in the latter and coming out to 2,226 yards in total. After Kentucky's victory over Eastern Michigan this past year, Laros was recognized as one of the finalists for week three's premier Punter of the Week award.
Aidan Laros goes 1st overall in the 2026 CFL Global Draft! 🇿🇦#CFLDraft pic.twitter.com/JnppHTFir6
— CFL (@CFL) April 29, 2026
He averaged 44.5 yards per punt in his final run with the blue and white, with his longest kick stretching out to 58 yards. He landed an impressive 19 kicks inside the opposing 20-yard line.
Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat
No matter where they're from or where they're going, a Wildcat on any level will always find love and favor from the best fans in the world. Upon Laros' selection in the draft, Kentucky fans immediately flooded the replies with their support.
Even as Will Stein takes over Kroger Field, what remains leftover from the Mark Stoops era is firmly detached from fans' frustrations with him.
The only difference between a starting quarterback and a punter, in the eyes of the BBN, is the position they play. A Wildcat is a Wildcat, and Laros will continue to be appreciated as such on the highest level.
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