Longtime CFL Scout & Friend of Draft Diamonds Craig Smith Passes Away at 69

Craig Smith, a respected figure in Canadian football and longtime CFL scout, has passed away at the age of 69. Craig was a great friend of NFL Draft Diamonds and we are extremely saddened by the passing of the legendary scout.

His wife, Cathy, announced the news Sunday on social media. Smith had been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in October 2017 and, despite going into remission after a stem-cell transplant, faced ongoing health complications in recent years, including congestive heart failure.

A Winnipeg native, Smith’s CFL journey began in 2000 as an offensive quality control coach with the B.C. Lions, following a stint as a guest coach the previous year. That same season, the Lions captured the Grey Cup, and Smith later transitioned into the role of player-personnel coordinator.

He went on to serve as director of player personnel for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats from 2005 to 2007 before returning to the Lions. In 2010, Smith joined the Saskatchewan Roughriders as their player-personnel director, helping to shape the roster that would win the 2013 Grey Cup. He remained with the Riders until 2015, then came home to Winnipeg to work with the Blue Bombers as a national scout.

When Smith stepped away from his role in 2017 due to his leukemia diagnosis, he left behind a legacy defined by dedication and a keen football mind. Despite his health battles, he remained connected to the game, even attending the CFL Combine in Regina this past March with his wife.

Please keep Smith’s wife in your prayers during this tough time. Craig was a fighter and he went toe to toe with cancer. We will miss you friend, May God Bless You and Your Family! From Our Family, We Will Miss You!