Brendan Gillanders had a remarkable career in the Canadian Football League and has always been a hometown favourite. Born in Victoria, BC, he lived in many places across Canada before settling in Orleans in 1997. Brendan played college football for the University of Ottawa Gee Gees. A standout performer, he earned first-team Ontario University Athletics all-star honours in 2013. His impressive performances at the CFL Combine, including the fastest 40-yard dash among running backs, demonstrated his athleticism and potential.
After two seasons with the Argonauts, Brendan signed with the Ottawa Redblacks in 2016. That same year, he played a role in Ottawa’s historic Grey Cup victory, helping the team secure its first championship. Over the years, he became a reliable presence on the field, contributing as a running back and fullback while continuing to excel on special teams. His ability to adapt and perform in various roles made him a valuable asset to the Redblacks.
After eight seasons in the CFL, Brendan announced his retirement in 2023, concluding a career that saw him appear in 114 regular-season games. He finished with 302 rushing yards, 344 receiving yards, and 63 special teams tackles. Beyond his on-field contributions, he was deeply involved in the Ottawa community, frequently partnering with the OSEG Foundation for charitable initiatives. His dedication to the game and his leadership qualities earned him the Redblacks’ nomination for the Jake Gaudaur Veteran’s Award in 2022. He stepped away from professional football leaving behind a legacy of perseverance, versatility, and commitment to his team and community.
We recently caught up with Brendan and had the opportunity to find out what he’s been up to.
I retired at the end of the 2022 season and transitioned into a new chapter. I joined a Canadian supplement company where I took on the role of North American Sales Manager, focused specifically on retailers here in Canada—think of big names like GNC, Healthy Planet, and Popeye’s Supplements. I spent about a year and a half traveling across the country, meeting with retail partners and managing accounts.
When Altea Ottawa, a large and stunning new gym, opened its doors, I joined their team and returned to my roots in personal training and strength and conditioning. I’m now the Personal Training Manager, leading a team of 20 trainers. It’s been a really rewarding shift, especially with a young family at home. My son Jacob was born in 2021, and my daughter Ryan arrived in March of last year. Parenthood put a lot into perspective for me—it was important to have an exit strategy and leave the game on my own terms, ensuring my family was in a strong position. When Athletic Alliance, the company I’d been working with part-time, offered me a full-time role, the timing just felt right. Could I have played another couple of seasons? Maybe. But at some point, everyone plays their final game—and I didn’t want to miss the opportunity that was in front of me.
From 2016 to 2018, we had a pretty incredible run. The 2016 Grey Cup stands out the most—just being part of that team, winning it with the guys, and knowing my name is etched on the trophy forever… that’s something I’ll always treasure. That ring, that championship—it’s special. One day I’ll be able to show it to Jacob and Ryan, maybe even my grandkids, and share what it meant to be part of something that big. I don’t take it for granted. Even though we lost the 2018 Grey Cup, those Eastern Finals in both years were unforgettable. The Grey Cup parade down Bank Street, the crowds packed into the pavilion—that was pure joy. Ottawa truly is a football town, and once the Redblacks returned and started doing things right, the fans showed up in a big way.
Playing in my hometown made every single game meaningful. I’d run into people I hadn’t seen in a decade, and it was like getting to perform in my element, in front of friends and family. I’m grateful for my journey—coming up through the NCAFA system, through Cumberland, playing high school ball here—I had great experiences and a ton of support that helped me reach the pros. I’ve cherished every bit of it. And the locker room? That’s something different altogether. When you strap on pads, put yourself on the line, and look beside you to see someone doing the same, there’s a bond that forms—one that lasts a lifetime. You can try to explain what it’s like to run out of that tunnel in front of 20,000 fans or to celebrate a championship with your brothers, but unless you’ve lived it, nothing else compares. It truly is a brotherhood.
I’ve always needed a competitive outlet—it’s just who I am. I’m extremely driven, always pushing my limits, which is probably why strength and conditioning has really clicked for me. I thrive on testing boundaries, whether it’s against myself or others. I haven’t found my limit yet, so I just keep going. Those one-on-one battles, the thrill of getting out there and doing your thing—that kind of competition is something I really miss.
To keep that fire going, I’ve been playing flag and touch football, which scratches the itch a bit. Lately, I’ve been thinking about getting back into hockey—just something different and more laid back. Football now is hard to match; the level I used to play at, the intensity, it’s just not the same. Even when I watch CFL games now, I can’t turn off the analytical part of my brain—it’s like I’m watching film, not just enjoying the game. I usually end up muting the commentary because I get too dialed into the Xs and Os. With the NFL, though, I can just throw on a bunch of games, relax, and enjoy the show without overthinking it.
Growing up, I tried pretty much every sport you can name. But once I got serious about football, I started lifting weights and running track during the winter. Eventually, training for football had to take priority over hockey, so I gave it up to focus on speed and strength development. I became hooked on the process—pushing myself to be faster, stronger, and more disciplined. I’ve always said the effort I put into preparation was my edge. I was never the fastest, the biggest, or the strongest—but I was always prepared.
That mindset led me to study Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa, where I dove deeper into physiology, anatomy, and everything behind athletic performance. I became a certified strength and conditioning coach right after graduation, during my first year with the Argos. In the offseason, since I was always in the gym anyway, it just made sense to help the next generation—whether that was up-and-coming football players or local university teams. These days, the weight room setup is high performance across the board. Joey, who was there back when I was a student, is still doing a fantastic job leading the strength and conditioning program. It’s awesome to see how far things have come.
I’ve always stayed connected to football—playing flag in the winter, touch in the summer. The game’s been a constant in my life. I’ve had a few incredible coaching opportunities along the way, but I’m someone who doesn’t take commitment lightly. If I’m going to do something, I want to give it everything I’ve got. Right now, with a young family—Jacob, Ryan, and my wife Sarah—that kind of time investment isn’t something I can make.
Coaching demands a lot. Honestly, it’s an even bigger commitment than playing. Back when I was an athlete, I didn’t fully appreciate that. Now I see just how much time and preparation goes into each game week. Coaches spend far more hours than players do. So when I come back to coaching—and I know I will—I want to be ready to give it my all. Until then, I’m staying just connected enough, because football will always be part of who I am.
…
Since hanging up his cleats at the end of the 2022 season, Brendan has stepped into a new chapter in fitness leadership. With a growing young family, he’s found real joy in helping others through strength and conditioning, all while staying connected to the sport he loves. From his unforgettable 2016 Grey Cup win to the bonds built in the locker room, football remains close to his heart—and when the time is right, he hopes to return to coaching. His dedication to preparation, shaped by his playing days, now fuels his success off the field. We’re cheering him on in this next chapter!
