It’s been just over a year since I stood on the sidelines at Commonwealth Stadium, watching as the Elks struggled through what can only be described as a special teams nightmare. The numbers told a painful story – dead last in the CFL in kick return yards, an anemic 18.4-yard average on kickoffs, and not a single return touchdown throughout the entire 2023 season.
Fast forward to today, and the transformation has been nothing short of remarkable.
“Last season was tough, no question about it,” special teams coordinator Merritt Bowden told me during yesterday’s practice, wiping sweat from his brow as players ran drills behind him. “But what we’re seeing now with Javon – it’s exactly what we envisioned when we brought him in.”
Javon Leake arrived in Edmonton without much fanfare this offseason. The former Maryland standout and NFL practice squad player wasn’t a headline-grabbing signing, but those paying close attention noted his explosive college numbers – including six kick return touchdowns during his NCAA career.
What nobody predicted was how quickly he would transform the Elks’ fortunes.
“I just wanted to come in and make an impact,” Leake shared, his soft-spoken nature belying the electricity he brings to the field. “Coach Bowden and the staff believed in me from day one. They gave me lanes to run through, and I’m just trying to make the most of every opportunity.”
Making the most might be an understatement. Through seven games, Leake has already tallied two kick return touchdowns – including a breathtaking 108-yard sprint against the Saskatchewan Roughriders last weekend that had the Commonwealth crowd on their feet for what felt like the first time in ages.
The statistics paint a clear picture of his impact. The Elks have jumped from ninth to second in kick return average (27.6 yards per return), while their punt return numbers have similarly soared from the league’s basement to respectability.
Edmonton’s special teams coordinator Kevin Kittrell from the University of Alberta’s football program explains why this matters beyond just the return numbers.
“Field position is everything in Canadian football,” Kittrell told me during our conversation at his campus office. “When you have someone like Leake who can flip the field in seconds, it changes your entire offensive approach. Suddenly you’re not always starting drives backed up against your goal line.”
For an Elks offense that struggled mightily last season, this advantage cannot be overstated.
Quarterback Tre Ford has been the biggest beneficiary of the improved field position. Through seven games, the Elks’ average starting position has improved by nearly 12 yards compared to last season – giving Ford and the offense shorter fields and more scoring opportunities.
“It’s huge for us,” Ford admitted after Wednesday’s walkthrough. “Last year we were always fighting uphill battles. Now with Javon doing his thing, sometimes we’re starting drives already in scoring range. It makes everyone’s job easier.”
But what exactly makes Leake so effective? I spent an afternoon breaking down film with former Elks return specialist Gizmo Williams, who sees something special in the newcomer.
“It’s his first step,” Williams said, repeatedly pausing and rewinding footage of Leake’s returns. “See right there? Most guys take a second to decide where they’re going. Javon makes one cut and he’s at full speed. In this league, that split-second difference is everything.”
Williams would know. His 26 return touchdowns still stand as a CFL record nearly three decades after his retirement.
“The other thing I love is how he sets up his blocks,” Williams continued. “He’s not just running fast – he’s running smart. That’s rare for a young returner.”
This football intelligence didn’t develop by accident. Leake credits his film study habits, often spending extra hours reviewing opponent coverage tendencies and identifying potential weaknesses.
“I’m looking for tells,” Leake explained. “Which guys over-pursue? Who takes bad angles? I’m trying to spot those things before the ball ever gets kicked.”
This preparation has caught the attention of head coach Chris Jones, who hasn’t been shy about praising Leake’s impact on the team’s improved record.
“Special teams were a weakness for us last year – that’s no secret,” Jones acknowledged during Tuesday’s media availability. “Javon has turned that unit into a weapon. When your return game is clicking like this, it energizes the whole organization.”
That energy was palpable during my visit to practice this week. Players broke into spontaneous cheers when Leake fielded a punt and weaved through defenders during a special teams period. The excitement this young player has generated extends beyond just the return game itself.
“He’s changed our whole vibe,” veteran defensive back Aaron Grymes told me. “Last year we’d go three-and-out, punt, and then watch the other team march down a short field. Now we actually believe we can win the field position battle. That confidence spreads through the whole team.”
Local businesses have noticed the excitement too. The Pint Public House on Whyte Avenue, a popular game-day destination for Elks fans, has introduced a new drink special this season – “The Leake Streak” – served whenever the returner breaks a run of 30+ yards.
“We’ve been making a lot of those lately,” laughed bartender Jamie Kureluk. “The place goes crazy when he gets the ball. It reminds me of when Gizmo used to play.”
That comparison to Williams – arguably the greatest returner in CFL history – might seem premature. But the early returns suggest Leake could be the most electric special teams player to wear green and gold in decades.
As I watched him sign autographs for young fans after practice, one thing became clear: in a season that began with modest expectations, Javon Leake has given Edmonton something that had been missing for far too long – a reason to stand up and cheer.
For an Elks organization that has struggled to recapture its glory days, that might be the most valuable return of all.
