Giordano Vaccaro delivered a bold message to Ottawa Redblacks head coach and general manager Ryan Dinwiddie, assuring him of his prowess on the field. The towering offensive lineman hailing from Winnipeg, standing at six feet two inches tall and weighing 307 pounds, clinched the top spot in the 2026 CFL draft on Tuesday, making history as the first Manitoban to do so since Brandon’s Chris Bauman in 2007.
At a lively “draft party” at Winnipeg’s Caboto Centre, nearly 300 attendees heard Vaccaro confidently inform his new coach via a video call that he would be bringing a host of new fans with him to the team. “You got 250 Redblacks here,” he proudly declared. Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity, Vaccaro expressed his eagerness to kick off his journey with the team.
Having showcased his skills with the Purdue Boilermakers in 2025, participating in all 12 games across offense and special teams, Vaccaro left a mark in the season finale, despite a challenging loss to eventual NCAA champion Indiana on Nov. 28. Prior to his stint with the Boilermakers, he excelled for three years with the University of Manitoba Bisons, earning the title of all-Canadian twice.
Reflecting on his draft selection to the CFL, Vaccaro described the experience as “very surreal.” He acknowledged that his football journey, which began relatively late in high school and only crystallized as a potential career during his initial university year, had surpassed his wildest expectations.
Surrounded by his family at the draft party, Vaccaro expressed his gratitude to everyone who had supported him along the way. The event was attended by a mix of family, friends, former teammates, and coaches, many of whom sported Purdue gear and displayed memorabilia from his football career, creating an atmosphere of pride and celebration.
His father, Angelo Vaccaro, donning a Redblacks cap, shared his pride in his son’s accomplishments, emphasizing Giordano’s strong work ethic and determination to excel with the Redblacks. Former Bisons coach Brian Dobie commended Vaccaro’s exceptional skills and aggressive play style, noting that beyond his tactical prowess, Vaccaro would bring a winning attitude to the Redblacks, fostering a positive team culture during the rebuilding phase.
Vaccaro, currently set to return to Purdue after briefly celebrating in Winnipeg due to a postponed exam, expressed his readiness to unleash his formidable skills on the field for the Redblacks whenever called upon. Known for his tenacity and aggressive gameplay, Vaccaro emphasized his commitment to elevating the team’s performance.
In summary, Vaccaro’s draft to the CFL marks a significant milestone in his football career, underscoring his dedication, talent, and potential to make a substantial impact with the Ottawa Redblacks.